A discussion by the SNS Executive Directorate, chaired by Fernando Araújo, states that the ULSs in Oeste, Cova da Beira, Guarda, Castelo Branco, Baixo Mondego, Barcelos/Esposende and Nordeste will stop carrying out these operations.
The rationale is that they should only be performed at ULS, which performs more than 100 surgeries per year and always has at least two dedicated surgeons. The discussion identifies ULS destinations for patients served by departments that no longer perform surgical procedures.
Users from Cova da Beira, Guarda and Castelo Branco will now be treated in Coimbra, while users from Braganca must travel to Vila Real. Those in the west, from Torres Vedras to Caldas da Rainha, would refer to Leiria or Santarem.