Portugal s Health Minister has ordered an inquiry after a 40-week pregnant woman was reportedly refused treatment at Faro Hospital because she had not first contacted the SNS 24 health hotline before going to A&E. Ana Paula Martins said the Executive Directorate of the National Health Service (SNS) had requested clarification from the Algarve s local health board regarding the incident, stressing that no pregnant woman should be denied medical care in such circumstances. Speaking to the television broadcaster SIC, the minister said that “fortunately” the emergency services had responded quickly, but emphasised the need for healthcare units to ensure staff are properly trained so that the law is respected. She added that she expected to receive a full account of the events that took place at the Algarve health authority in the coming days. According to a report by SIC, Faro Hospital refused to admit a 37-year-old woman who was 40 weeks pregnant when she arrived at the maternity emergency department on Friday, 22nd May, because she had not first called the SNS 24 hotline before attending hospital. The woman, who had travelled from Almancil by her own means, reportedly arrived at Faro Hospital late on a Friday afternoon whilst experiencing contractions that were becoming increasingly frequent after her waters had broken. Despite the apparent imminence of labour, SIC reported that she was turned away from the maternity emergency department. As she had not contacted SNS 24 beforehand, she was allegedly not even permitted to register at the emergency unit. The maternity ward was closed, and the only obstetrician on duty was reportedly available only for previously identified high-risk cases. The woman then called the emergency number 112 from outside the hospital itself. An emergency medical vehicle from the INEM, which happened to be nearby, was dispatched to assist her outside the emergency department. According to the report, the INEM doctor confirmed that labour was imminent and urged Faro Hospital to make an exception and admit the patient. However, the hospital reportedly maintained that there was no immediate risk requiring admission. The woman was subsequently transferred by ambulance, accompanied by the emergency medical team, on a 70-kilometre journey to Portimão Hospital. Her baby was born in good health shortly after arrival in Portimão. Under Portuguese law, although patients are expected to contact the SNS 24 hotline before attending certain emergency departments, the legislation also stipulates that even without prior contact, patients must still be registered and triaged upon arrival at hospital. Source: LUSA