Press release
Angra do Heroísmo
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Following the news reported today regarding the operation of the Gynaecology and Obstetrics services at the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island (HSEIT), the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security (SRSSS) wishes to clarify that it regrets that the information was disclosed through anonymous suspicions, without reliable sources from pregnant women or health professionals. It should also be noted that the SRSSS was not even heard on this matter. This has led to an alarmist interpretation of the situation, causing unnecessary concern among users and the general public.
It is important to acknowledge that the Regional Health Service faces occasional constraints in terms of human resources. This situation is reflective of a broader reality within the National Health Service, as experienced in various regions of the country, particularly in gynaecology and obstetrics. Nevertheless, these constraints do not jeopardise the clinical safety of users, nor do they mean that care is disrupted.
It should also be noted that the Regional Directorate for Health has no record of recent complaints regarding the operation of these services.
HSEIT has ensured the monitoring of pregnant women, the response to urgent situations, and the delivery of babies, currently employing 12 doctors in the area of gynaecology and obstetrics, under different labour arrangements. Accordingly, most users have been receiving care within the Maximum Guaranteed Response Time.
The Board of Directors of HSEIT has been working closely with clinical managers and healthcare professionals to increase the human resources in this department to reorganise schedules, reduce the workload, and gradually strengthen response capacity. This evidences the recognition of the commitment and dedication of the teams providing care daily.
The SRSSS reiterates that the safety of pregnant women and newborns remains an absolute priority, closely monitoring the situation at HSEIT and ensuring that all necessary measures continue to be implemented to deliver adequate, safe, and humane healthcare.
