José Manuel Bolieiro met with CEO of CUF and participated in tribute to professionals - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, participated today in a ceremony to pay tribute to the professionals at CUF Açores Hospital. This was a public demonstration of gratitude for the support provided to the Regional Health Service (SRS) after the fire that severely damaged the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES) in Ponta Delgada in May last year.

The ceremony took place at the CUF Açores facilities, following a meeting between José Manuel Bolieiro and Rui Diniz, the CEO of CUF. In addition to paying tribute to the professionals involved, the event also marked the 80th anniversary of CUF's founding, a symbolic milestone of longevity and commitment to health.

“I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation. Everyone did a great job,” stated the President of the Government, addressing the professionals at CUF, who provided care and services to HDES users during a period of great demand and uncertainty.

The fire at HDES prompted the full evacuation of the hospital, involving hundreds of patients and professionals. Thanks to the rapid and effective response of the Region's health services, in close coordination with the private sector, it was possible to ensure continuity of care without serious consequences for users.

According to José Manuel Bolieiro, the success of the operation was the result of coordinated action, where everyone gave their best.

“It was a dire situation. Nevertheless, it went well due to the effort, dedication, and professionalism involved,” he emphasised, adding that “there were no shortcuts; there was virtue in the way the difficulties were overcome.”

The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted how CUF welcomed users, ensuring adequate conditions and quality clinical care.

This tribute also served to reaffirm the Regional Government's commitment to collaborating across the public, private, and social sectors of health. The President of the Government advocated a model of complementarity to leverage resources and capabilities, ensuring a more solid and integrated response network.

"We want a strong Regional Health Service, prepared to respond to the essentials, and those essentials cannot be limited to the bare minimum," he said.

The President of the Government ended with a message of encouragement: "Every situation is a learning opportunity. We will continue to work towards a more prepared, more humane and more accessible healthcare system."