Chega Madeira has criticised SESARAM after around 30 patients who had already been discharged from Dr Nélio Mendonça Hospital were moved last Friday to the basement of Dr João de Almada Hospital. Party deputy Hugo Nunes said the decision shows serious failures in planning for the regional health network and a disregard for patient dignity. He argued that the move came despite earlier criticism and intervention from the Order of Nurses, and he described the situation as “inhumane.” Mr Nunes said that sending vulnerable patients to a basement that the Nurses’ Union says does not meet minimum conditions reflects a Regional Government that is “adrift.” He added that the lack of vacancies in the long-term care network should not lead to elderly and infirm people being “hidden” in hospital basements. The article notes that the Regional Government sees the transfer as a temporary logistical measure to keep acute beds available for emergency admissions, while critics say it exposes chronic shortages and poor planning. It also highlights that the pressure on the system is being worsened by the unfinished new central hospital, the saturation of long-term care, and concerns about hygiene, safety and staff capacity in temporary spaces.
