Press release - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social

In response to the press release issued today by the Socialist Party’s Parliamentary Group regarding alleged constraints in the Imaging Department of the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island (HSEIT), it is important to set the record straight and provide clarification to the public.

Firstly, it should be noted that the mammography equipment currently in use at HSEIT broke down yesterday; any suggestion that this incident is linked to alleged delays of several months in carrying out examinations is completely unfounded.

It is also important to emphasise that the current mammography machine is over 14 years old, technologically obsolete and unsuitable for current clinical requirements. For this very reason, the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, has already initiated its replacement.

Under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), HSEIT has acquired a new mammography machine, representing an investment of nearly €300,000, with its installation and operation scheduled for the next two weeks. This is a strategic investment that will strengthen the Imaging Department’s response capacity and ensure better diagnostic and follow-up conditions for patients.

Regarding human resources, it is also important to clarify that the tender process for the recruitment of another diagnostic imaging specialist has already been authorised, whilst also ensuring that service providers are engaged whenever necessary to guarantee the continuity of care.

The Government of the Azores acknowledges the importance of timely monitoring of cancer patients and maintains the highest priority on ensuring appropriate and safe responses. However, it considers the debate on such sensitive matters to be fundamental, requiring rigour, responsibility and respect for the facts, whilst avoiding the unnecessary alarm among patients and their families.

The investment in technological renewal and the reinforcement of human resources demonstrates the Azorean Government's commitment to the continued improvement of healthcare provided to the Azorean population.