Ourense Hospital Emergency Dept Faces Critical Staff Shortage

Doctors at the University Hospital of Ourense (CHUO) say the emergency department is operating with almost half the staff required, handling about 250 patients daily. The regional Medical College demands urgent measures, citing chronic understaffing and long wait times. About 25 of the 50 physician posts are vacant, and the health authority (Sergas) has classified the unit as a “hard‑to‑cover” service, allowing direct appointments without competition. The hospital plans a merit‑based recruitment contest before year‑end, offering triple points for experience in Ourense. The Medical College also calls for centralized hiring of emergency doctors, arguing that earlier plans were abandoned and that current arrangements burden other service areas. Regional officials note recent organisational steps, such as reinforcing guard duties, but consider them long‑term solutions insufficient for the immediate crisis.