Healthcare worker shot in Leiria has been discharged

A healthcare worker shot on Friday night in Leiria is "doing well" and has been discharged, the board of directors of the Leiria Region Local Health Unit (ULS) said. In a statement, the board of directors of that ULS stated that the victim was "discharged" after being seen in the Emergency Department of Santo André Hospital (HSA).

The health professional was in a serious condition after being hit by a gunshot at 11:58 pm on Friday, which also resulted in another victim, but of lesser severity, the Sub-regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command of the Leiria Region told Lusa.

The Leiria Volunteer Firefighters' Humanitarian Association clarified that the victim was a 53-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital in serious condition. The second victim was also reportedly transported to the hospital.

The board of directors (CA) of the ULS of the Leiria Region condemned and regretted the act of violence that occurred on Friday night, “outside the hospital facilities, but which had as a victim a health professional from this institution”, it indicated in the same note, without providing further details.

"The CA will provide all necessary cooperation to the competent authorities investigating the case," he added, reaffirming its "total commitment to defending its professionals and not tolerating any form of violence against those who dedicate their lives to caring for others."

The Judiciary Police confirmed to Lusa that they are investigating the case. The Leiria Volunteer Fire Department, the Emergency Medical and Resuscitation Vehicle (VMER), and the Public Security Police (PSP) were also present at the scene.