In response to a written request for clarification from the Lusa agency, IGAS (General Inspectorate of Health Activities) confirmed “the initiation of procedural instruction” on Monday, anticipating “its conclusion in the shortest possible time.”
On May 17, a 57-year-old man died in the emergency room of Santa Luzia Hospital, about seven hours after being assigned a green bracelet during triage, which is used for less urgent situations that can wait up to 120 minutes for treatment.
On June 11, the Local Health Unit of Alto Minho (ULSAM) stated that the inquiry initiated following the death of a patient with a green bracelet was sent for archiving as proposed by the instructor, who concluded that there was no indication that the care provided “deserves any censure.”
“The instructor of the inquiry process concluded that, after a critical analysis of all the collected elements, there was no indication that the care and monitoring of the patient […] on May 17, 2024, deserves any censure from any professional at Santa Luzia Hospital in Viana do Castelo,” stated a press release from ULSAM.
According to the report of the inquiry process, initiated on the 21st and concluded on May 27, the instructor “proposed the archiving of the case, which was accepted and approved by the ULSAM board of directors.”
“Thus, the ULSAM board of directors understands, without prejudice to what may result from the ongoing judicial process, that the care provided to the patient in the emergency service at Santa Luzia Hospital […] who unfortunately passed away, a situation which is regretted, would have proceeded in accordance with good clinical practices and the applicable ‘legis artis’ rules,” the note adds.
