Nearly 850 nurses are needed for local health units in Portugal

Health Minister Ana Paula Martins said approximately 850-870 nurses are required to meet the current need of Local Health Units (ULS). It was reported that approximately two-thirds of the need was collected in Lisbon and the Tagus Valley region.

It was announced that approximately 850-870 nurses are needed to meet the current need in Local Health Units (ULS) in Portugal. Health Minister Ana Paula Martins stated that approximately two-thirds of the shortage is concentrated in Lisbon and the Tagus Valley region.

The Minister stated that the solution will not consist only of new recruitments; He said that nurses' working hours are also planned to be expanded. However, the number of how many nurses ULSs will be allowed to hire has not been announced yet.

At the center of the debate is the delay in the Organizational Development Plans (PDO), which set the human resources framework for ULS and oncology hospitals for 2026. The Nurses Association argues that this delay prevents stable recruitment and makes it difficult for new graduates to participate in the system.

According to the chamber, approximately 3,000 newly graduated nurses are preparing to enter the workforce. However, the fact that PDOs have not yet been approved limits the capacity of ULSs to conclude permanent contracts. The Ministry states that it expects a wider recruitment opportunity to meet the needs in the second half of the year.

Ana Paula Martins also announced that more than 1,500 nurses will start working in the National Health Service (NNS) in the 2024-2025 period. Despite this, the current need shows that recruitment processes, working conditions and regional distribution need to be addressed together in the continuity of health services.

PTNewsHub review

The need for nurses is increasing not only in Portugal but also in many countries. As the burden of health services grows, the ability of new graduates to join the system on time and under permanent conditions will be important in meeting this need.

Practical knowledge

The shortage of nurses or the density of emergency services does not change the way of application in emergency situations. In life-threatening situations, 112 should be called; SNS 24 should be used for non-emergency health guidance. For detailed guidance, you can refer to the Portuguese emergency guide: 112 and SNS 24 page.

Sources reviewed

The Portugal News / Lusa news text

Renascença / Lusa – Minister's statement on 850-870 nurses

Nurses' Chamber – Statement on PDO delays hindering recruitment

Nurses Chamber – statement regarding new graduates and the recruitment process