COLONOS Programme reduced colonoscopy waiting list in the Region by 23% in first half of 2026
Angra do Heroísmo
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, highlighted the results achieved by the COLONOS Programme in the first half of 2026, when the waiting list for colonoscopies at the three hospitals within the Regional Health Service fell by 23%.
The COLONOS Programme is aimed at patients who have been waiting for a colonoscopy for more than 90 days, enabling waiting lists to be cleared without compromising regular clinical care.
The results achieved during the first half of 2026 demonstrate the positive impact of this measure. Across the three Regional Health Service hospitals, 354 colonoscopies were carried out under the COLONOS Programme, contributing to an overall 23% reduction in the waiting list for colonoscopies.
Mónica Seidi pointed out that it was at the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES) that the greatest reduction in the waiting list for colonoscopies was recorded, with a decrease of around 40% and 227 colonoscopies carried out under the COLONOS Programme. The Horta Hospital (HH) also reported positive results, with a reduction of around 28% in the waiting list and 56 colonoscopies carried out under this programme.
As for the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island (HSEIT), 71 colonoscopies were carried out under the COLONOS Programme during the first half of 2026, with a reduction of 43 days in the average waiting time. Despite these results, it is not yet possible to assess the impact on the number of exams carried out, as is the case with other hospitals.
“These results demonstrate that the COLONOS Programme is fulfilling the goals for which it was created, reducing waiting lists and ensuring a swifter response to patients,” stated the Regional Secretary.
The Regional Secretary pointed out that the Government of the Azores will continue to monitor the implementation of the COLONOS Programme, alongside regional hospitals, ensuring that this measure continues to reduce waiting times and contribute to an increasingly efficient healthcare service closer to patients.
