On Tuesday, the Health Secretary acknowledged the need to improve patient referrals through the SNS24 line, but did not confirm or provide details about the reorganization of the emergency service.
The chief executive of the National Health Service (SNS) said on Tuesday in an interview with the newspaper Público that the reorganization of emergency departments will be ready by the end of the year and that for a short time only those sent to from the emergency department will be able to access the department emergency help via SNS24, to a doctor or to another hospital.
When asked about this measure, the Secretary of State did not confirm or provide details, saying only that “all strategies to improve referrals to and between different levels of care will be explained and communicated each time.”
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the presentation of the Mental Health Promotion Program in Higher Education, in which the Minister of Health was originally planned to participate, Margarida Tavares, however, acknowledged the need.
“We all want people to get care in the place that is best suited to provide care that is appropriate for their situation,” he said, advocating the importance of “regulating the flow” of patients to ensure that “the most differentiated services and if care is provided in more serious situations, then it is free.”
This work could pass the test currently being carried out by SNS24, he added, without confirming the hypothesis of restricting access in emergency cases.
The Secretary of State also recalled how SNS 24 responded to needs during the Covid-19 pandemic and stressed: “I am fully convinced and everything is in place for SNS 24 to become a triage tool for those who are feeling unwell. and want to know how best to access the health services they need.”
On the other hand, regarding the plan for the autumn and winter months, the Secretary of State said that the extension of work hours on weekdays and weekends in medical centers should be repeated.
Last year, nearly 200 health centers operated extended hours to ease the burden on hospitals during emergencies.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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