Bragança hospital will open an ambulatory unit to reduce avoidable emergency visits
The new unit starts on 1 October for referred patients with complex chronic conditions or priority diagnostic needs.
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Archived 12 September 2026The service creates another clinical route, but it is not a walk-in replacement for emergency care and patients need the appropriate referral.
- The ambulatory unit is scheduled to start on 1 October.
- It is intended for referred patients with complex chronic illness or a priority diagnostic need.
- Health centres and care homes can route appropriate patients to the service.
- A medical emergency still requires the emergency route or 112.
How the unit is intended to work
Bragança hospital's new ambulatory unit is designed to assess selected patients without sending every complex or urgent-but-stable case through the emergency department. It can coordinate diagnostics and clinical review for people referred from primary care or care homes.
The aim is to make the route more appropriate for the patient and reduce avoidable pressure on emergency services. Entry depends on clinical criteria and referral; it is not an extra public walk-in desk.
Choose the route by clinical need
Patients should follow the referral given by the health professional managing the case. Someone with a new emergency must not delay care while trying to reach the ambulatory unit.
Use SNS 24 for advice when the correct route is unclear, and call 112 where there is immediate danger, severe breathing difficulty, signs of stroke or another medical emergency.
What you can do now.
- 01
Ask the treating clinician whether the unit is appropriate.
- 02
Take the referral and current medication information.
- 03
Use 112 for an emergency.
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