Portugal’s Health Integration Stalls After One Year of New Local Units
Despite expectations that the 2024 rollout of Local Health Units would accelerate coordination, progress on primary‑hospital integration has stalled over the past twelve months.
📌 Key Highlights & Context
- 31 ULS were created in 2024 with clear integration goals.
- Healthcare professionals report gaps in communication and shared protocols.
- Patient experience improvements have not materialised, leaving the system stagnant.
Creation of ULS and Initial Expectations
The Portuguese National Health Service (SNS) inaugurated 31 Local Health Units (ULS) at the start of 2024, aiming to bridge primary care and hospital services. The reform promised faster diagnoses, smoother referrals and a more seamless patient journey.
Why Integration Has Stalled
One year on, an APAH survey shows the promised synergy has not materialised. The association’s president warned, "Both sides need to talk more and agree on how patients should be diagnosed, treated and followed up – this is not happening at the level we expected."
- Communication gaps: clinicians cite insufficient information flow between primary‑care teams and hospitals.
- Funding and resources: many ULS lack the staff and infrastructure needed for full coordination.
- Lack of unified protocols: shared clinical pathways and interoperable digital records are still fragmented.
These shortcomings translate into longer waiting times and lower patient satisfaction. Experts call for an urgent joint coordination plan, standardized training and a fully integrated digital health record system.