Foundation stone laid for expansion of Santa Casa da Praia da Graciosa nursing home - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, presided over the ceremony of laying the first stone for the expansion of the Residential Structure for the Elderly (ERPI) of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia da Vila da Praia da Graciosa (charity institutions), a clear example of the fact that this Government "keeps its word."

"You can count on this Government for that prospective and forward-looking policy of dealing with the difficulties of demography in the Azores and, particularly, on the island of Graciosa. Those who have done what they have done are ready to continue. With balance, consideration and without leaving any island behind," emphasised José Manuel Bolieiro.

The session was also attended by the Vice-President of the Government, Artur Lima, who is responsible for the area of Social Solidarity and the implementation of measures such as the "New Elderly" project.

Offering words of " appreciation and gratitude" to the workers of the Santa Casa da Vila da Praia da Graciosa, the President of the Government recalled that it is "for the users" that the Government works in this sector.

"Users are the reason for everything we are doing," he noted, before considering local authorities and social solidarity institutions as "social development partners" in the Region.

"We need to look at the social needs, the social responses that need to be provided to our families and our people on each of our islands," he added, ensuring that this sector will see more work done by the end of the legislative term.

The "challenge of social responses," he emphasised, "cannot just be a present-day challenge." Instead, it should take into account "the need to overcome future difficulties" looming on the horizon, particularly in terms of demographics.

The expansion works represented an overall investment of 796 thousand Euros. and the works contract was awarded for the price of 447 thousand Euros, plus VAT. With this project, 17 vacancies will be created, reaching a total capacity of 41 users. The installed capacity of residential facilities for the elderly on the island of Graciosa stands at 92 vacancies and there are currently 89 users,  corresponding to an effective coverage rate of 10% - the second-highest figure in the Region - well above the regional average (3.6%).

The Regional Government's statutory visit to the island of Graciosa takes place today and Tuesday.

The programme includes various visits and meetings as well as the usual meeting with the Island Council and the Council of the Government.