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Psychiatrist Accuses Hospital Administration of Sabotaging Homeless Patients' Access
In a hearing before members of the Lisbon Municipal Assembly on Friday, psychiatrist João Gama Marques accused the administration of Hospital Júlio de Matos, now under the management of ULS São José, of "maximally sabotaging" access for homeless patients to the psychiatric hospital center.
Dr. Gama Marques alleged, "There is a significant movement by the administration of Júlio de Matos, controlled by ULS São José, to maximally sabotage access for homeless patients to Hospital Júlio de Matos."
In response, ULS São José "categorically denies" these accusations, stating that their integration of Hospital Júlio de Matos aims to defend the rights of all users, regardless of their social condition, by standardizing administrative procedures. The organization asserts that no restrictions are being imposed on the assistance provided to homeless citizens, and that they are still observed in consultation whenever necessary due to mental health issues.
According to ULS São José, the changes in procedures, such as asking doctors to fill out forms regarding the origin and referral of homeless patients, are to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and safeguard the rights of all users, particularly those in greater fragility.
ULS São José provides assistance to a wide population, including residents of central Lisbon neighborhoods, and denies any discriminatory treatment towards homeless individuals. The administration reaffirms its commitment to improving healthcare provision to vulnerable populations and collaborating with municipal entities dedicated to this cause.
Dr. Gama Marques was heard by the 6th Standing Committee on Human Rights and Social Affairs, Citizenship and Transparency and Combating Corruption, at the request of CDS-PP deputy Margarida Neto, regarding a petition from residents and business owners of the Beato neighborhood, who demand a review of the municipal plan and social interventions for people in a homeless situation.
Note: While conducting a search for additional relevant information, no articles or press releases were found detailing these allegations against ULS São José or any restrictions on homeless patients' access to Hospital Júlio de Matos.
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In light of the allegations made by Dr. João Gama Marques, it would be prudent for ULS São José to address concerns about the accessibility of mental health services, especially for homeless patients, within their healthcare services, such as science-driven health-and-wellness programs, including fitness-and-exercise classes and resources designed to support mental health.
Additionally, as ULS São José continues to collaborate with municipal entities to improve healthcare provision to vulnerable populations, they could consider partnering with local French organizations or entities that specialize in providing care to marginalized communities and promoting holistic health and wellness approaches.
