"It is impossible to do more with the current shortage of nurses in the Algarve," SEP leader Guadalupe Simões told Lusa, adding that the lack of professionals is due to overtime work.

According to the SEP, there is a shortage of 1,500 generalist nurses in the Algarve region (currently there are about 1,400) and about 500 specialist nurses (380).

The nurses' representatives make this estimate based on a calculation formula found in the regulations on safe staffing levels of the Order of Nurses, explained Guadalupe Simões.

“With the brutal shortage of nurses and other healthcare professionals in the region, it can only be a Christmas wish!” when the Minister of Health states that she “believes the Algarve is prepared” for winter, said the SEP (Portuguese Nurses Union) in a statement.

For the SEP, “the shortage situation has been aggravated by the absence of retention measures, and the admissions that have occurred are far below the needs.”

The union, regarding retention measures, criticizes the Minister of Health for not instructing the administration of the Algarve Local Health Unit (ULS) to proceed with the payment of retroactive amounts from 2018 to December 2021, and for not allowing the opening of competitions for access to the categories of specialist nurse and nurse manager, "stagnating expectations of professional development."