A 66 year old man died after waiting more than twelve hours for treatment at Coimbra University Hospital’s (HUC) emergency department. His family is heartbroken and wants answers. They are considering filing a complaint against the hospital.

This is the second recent death in Portugal involving patients waiting in emergency rooms. The first case was a well known figure from the April 25 Revolution. His death also raised concerns about the country’s healthcare system.

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How Man Dies At Coimbra Hospital

The man José Pais went to the Tábua health center after a very difficult night. He had eaten míscaros which is a type of mushroom the day before. His condition seemed serious so he was sent to Coimbra for specialized care.

José arrived at the hospital in the early afternoon. His family expected him to receive immediate attention. Hours passed but no doctor attended to him. His family who were not with him repeatedly called the hospital to check on him.

The family says they kept receiving vague responses. One family member told reporters:

Nobody could tell us what was happening

At one point the hospital claimed José had been discharged for abandonment. This meant the hospital believed he had left the building on his own.

The family was confused and worried. They were sure José can not leave without telling them. When his wife called again she learned the tragic truth. José had been found lifeless in the A&E department.

The hospital has opened an investigation into the case. However, the family still does not have clear answers about what happened.

Healthcare System Under Pressure

This case highlights problems in Portugal’s healthcare system. Overcrowded emergency rooms and long waits are common. Many believe the system is struggling due to staff shortages and budget cuts.

Doctors and nurses have warned about these issues for years. Many healthcare workers face burnout which affects patient care. The deaths of José and the April 25 figure show what can happen when the system fails.

Family Demand Justice

José’s family is devastated. They want to know why he did not receive help in time. They are thinking about filing a complaint against the hospital. However, they face financial challenges. Legal action can be costly and the family is unsure if they can afford it.

A family member said:

We just want to know what happened. Why did no one help him during all those hours?

Their struggle shows how financial difficulties can stop families from seeking justice. Some families cannot afford the costs of legal action even when they believe negligence is involved.

This tragic incident is a call for action. Emergency rooms need more staff and resources to avoid such cases in the future. Patients and their families deserve clear communication and quick responses to their concerns.

The hospital’s internal investigation is a first step. The healthcare system as a whole must improve. Authorities need to provide more funding and implement reforms to ensure better care for all patients.

José’s death is not just a statistic. His family’s pain reflects the experience of many others who feel let down by the system.

The family hopes their fight for answers will bring change. One relative said:

We owe it to him. No one else should suffer like this

The investigation continues but there is hope that José’s story will lead to reforms. His death should serve as a wake up call to fix the problems in Portugal’s healthcare system.