IPO Porto loses anesthesiologists and "puts patient safety at risk"

The Northern Medical Union reports that the Porto Portuguese Oncology Institute's anesthesiology department has lost six specialists, jeopardizing patient safety. The department, now with 27 specialists, faces increased workload due to retirements and departures. The administration acknowledges a shortage of anesthesiologists, leading to operational adjustments. Despite performing 9,597 surgeries this year, concerns arise over reduced consultation times, which contradict international guidelines. A letter from 23 anesthesiologists opposing this change went unanswered. The institute insists that all patients receive proper anesthetic evaluation before surgery, and it has requested three new positions to strengthen the team.