The Obstetrics Emergency Department of Hospital de São Bernardo, in Setúbal, will begin operating on a restricted basis, receiving only pregnant women referred directly by INEM. This measure takes effect shortly and extends through October.
The reason for this restriction is the lack of specialist doctors at the facility. Without a sufficient number of professionals to ensure shift coverage, the hospital found itself compelled to limit access to the obstetrics emergency service.
INEM will be responsible for assessing and redirecting pregnant women who require hospital care, ensuring that only cases requiring treatment at Hospital de Setúbal are directed to this facility during the period in question.
This situation is part of a broader context of difficulties in obstetrics emergency services in Portugal, where multiple hospitals have faced human resources challenges in maintaining these departments fully operational.
