The emergency network in the northern macro-region of Minas Gerais, Brazil: a case study

Abstract

The attention to the Urgency and Emergency sectors is a challenge to be faced by the Unified Health System and demands organization from the health managers. In order to respond to this demand, the State Secretary of Health has proposed the implementation of the Urgency and Emergency Attention Network in the Northern Macro-region of Minas Gerais, and this article, a qualitative and exploratory research in the form of a case study, aims to understand its function. The data was collected through documental research, observation and interviews with key-informants (members of the Managerial Committee and professionals of the Secretariat of State who accompany the Urgency and Emergency Attention Network in the North of Minas Gerais). The results point at difficulties, but also at positive aspects and advances. On the positive end are the network implementation, the Committee creation, the Emergency Mobile Health Care regionalization, the risk classification and the State support. On the negative end are the financing model, the large territory, the workers' lack of prepare, and their high turnover. As advances, the better access to the services is highlighted. The conclusion is that this is a complex and dynamic process that involves many different actors. This network is an innovative and audacious action, which, despite the difficulties, has proved to be very positive.