Lisbon maternity ward welcomes newborn amid hospital strain and staff shortages

A baby was born early this morning at Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital in Lisbon. The delivery took place in room six between 5 am and 11 am. The child’s name has not yet been announced. The mother had originally been taken to Amadora-Sintra Hospital. However, due to the closure of its obstetrics emergency unit, she was redirected to Alfredo da Costa. Another expectant mother faced the same situation.

Nurses Susana and Joana, both working at Alfredo da Costa, are also mothers themselves. They juggle demanding shifts with family responsibilities. Like many healthcare staff, they struggle to balance professional duties with personal life. The hospital’s employees have long called for better career conditions. Their workload remains heavy, and improvements are urgently needed.

The newborn arrived safely at a busy maternity ward. Meanwhile, staff like Susana and Joana continue to manage both patient care and their own families. The closure of Amadora-Sintra’s obstetrics unit adds further pressure to an already stretched system.