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Call for Action: Madeira's Nursing Crisis Awaits Resolution

Madeira GuideMadeira Guide
August 20, 2026
3 min read

The Order of Nurses in Madeira urges the intervention of regional government leader Miguel Albuquerque to expedite the hiring of 80 nurses, essential for the island's healthcare system.

The Order of Nurses in Madeira has made an urgent appeal for intervention from Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Regional Government, to resolve a critical situation concerning nurse recruitment in the region. This call for action comes in light of unsatisfactory assurances from the Regional Secretary of Health and Civil Protection regarding the employment of approximately 80 nurses currently on the recruitment reserve list of SESARAM, Madeira's health service.

The appeal follows a series of meetings, the fourth since the beginning of the year, between the OE's chairman, LuĂ­s Filipe Barreira, and other key health officials, including Teresa EspĂ­rito Santo and Micaela Freitas. The discussions have been ongoing, yet have not yielded the desired outcomes, prompting the OE to seek higher-level intervention.

The recruitment of these nurses is seen as vital to addressing the staffing shortages in Madeira's healthcare system, which is crucial not only for locals but also for the many tourists who visit the island each year. The OE argues that without these additional nurses, the quality of healthcare services could be compromised, impacting the island's reputation as a safe and reliable destination.

Madeira, a popular tourist destination known for its stunning landscapes and mild climate, relies heavily on its healthcare infrastructure to support both its residents and visitors. The current impasse in nurse recruitment threatens to strain the system further, especially during peak tourist seasons when the demand for medical services increases.

We urge the President to act swiftly to ensure our healthcare system can continue to meet the needs of all who depend on it.

— Luís Filipe Barreira, Chairman of the Order of Nurses

Sources

Madeira Guide

Madeira Guide

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