ULS Alto Alentejo denies oncology service cuts and announces staff reinforcement

The Alto Alentejo Local Health Unit (ULS) has issued a clarification regarding its oncology services, denying reports that care capacity will be reduced. The administration stated they are preparing measures to strengthen and develop the unit, including increasing human resources and improving infrastructure to meet regional clinical needs.

Addressing specific concerns, the board president, Miguel Lopes, confirmed that oncologist Rui Dinis will not be leaving or having his hours reduced. He clarified that Dinis's contract is based on activity performed rather than a fixed workload and rejected claims that recent reorganizations are driven by cost-cutting.

Starting October 1, the oncology service will include three doctors: a resident oncologist, Tomás Carvalho, who will be present five days a week in Portalegre and Elvas, and two service providers, including Rui Dinis. While the ULS noted that Carvalho is currently subject to inquiries at the Évora Hospital and the Medical Association, they emphasized that the professional's status is regularized and maintained the principle of presumption of innocence.