The director of the Emergency Departments within the Algarve Central Hospital (CHA) group resigned on Thursday just a week after a new director was appointed.
Dr Luís Pereira, who has run the Algarve's Emergency Departments since 2012, said he wants to "release the new Board of Directors from any difficulty," as he does not agree with new plans for his department and considers that it is only possible to work if both share "the same ideas and goals."
The high level resignation was confirmed by the new Chairman of the CHA Administration, Joaquim Ramalho, who said that it was normal for middle managers of public bodies to offer their resignations when there is change at the top."
According to Ramalho, it is normal that such managers make their posts available and stating saying whether or not they want to work under the new directorate.
The new bosses of the CHA, which covers Faro, Portimão and Lagos hospitals, took office ten days ago and replaced the controversial Director since July 2013, Dr Pedro Nunes.
The Emergency Department, headed by Luís Pereira since 2012, consists of emergency services at Faro and Portimão hospitals and Emergency Basic Services (SUBs) in Lagos, Albufeira, Loulé and Vila Real Santo António.
Joaquim Ramalho stressed that any manager resigning will remain in office until they are replaced.
It looks like there may be further resignations as Ramalho aims to heal the wounds of the recent past caused largely by Dr Nunes and his inability successfully to manage the region's three key hospitals.
