Emergency Nurses Say Current Conditions Do Not Allow Safe, Quality Care
Nurses working in the adult emergency department at Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça have raised formal concerns about their working conditions, saying they cannot guarantee safe and quality care for patients. In late January 2026, dozens of nurses submitted declarations of escusa de responsabilidade to SESARAM, the Madeira Health Service, alerting hospital management and professional bodies to the situation. The complaints come amid sustained pressure in emergency care, where demand often exceeds available space and staff capacity.
SESARAM Says It Understands Nurse Fatigue and Acknowledges Service Pressure
In a statement published on 30 January 2026, SESARAM said it understands “the feeling of fatigue expressed by the nurses in this service,” describing emergency care as “by nature demanding and urgent.” The institution added that pressure in the emergency department is a constant challenge, particularly when patient flow is affected by factors outside immediate clinical control.
“The well-being and working conditions of our professionals are always one of our main priorities,” SESARAM said.
Madeira Health Service to hire 16 nurses in February. This is one of the responses to the shortage of professionals and the fact that 70 emergency room nurses have requested to be excused from responsibility due to the high volume of work.
Hospital Emergency Department Currently Has 115 Nurses, SESARAM Says
SESARAM stressed that the emergency department currently employs 115 nurses, the highest number ever recorded for the service. It also confirmed that eight nurses from other hospital units are temporarily supporting emergency care. According to the health service, staffing levels meet legal requirements, even as nurses argue that conditions on the ground remain difficult.
16 Nurses to Be Hired in February 2026, With 2 More by Quarter’s End
Speaking to RTP Madeira on 1 February 2026, SESARAM’s president announced that she is aware of theconditions and that 16 new nurses will be hired during February, with two additional nurses expected by the end of the first quarter. She said the new contracts aim to support services that feel the greatest strain, including emergency care, while the internal distribution of professionals across departments is also under review.
Delayed Discharges Keep About 230 Patients in Hospital Beds
SESARAM pointed to delayed clinical discharges as a major factor behind overcrowding. About 230 patients, despite having medical discharge, remain hospitalized while waiting for social support or places in follow-up care units. Although this is fewer than the roughly 260 cases recorded in July 2025, the health service said the situation continues to limit bed availability and adds pressure to the emergency department.
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