Nuclear Medicine Service at ULS Algarve performed 1,600 exams in the first year

The Nuclear Medicine Service of the Algarve Local Health Unit (ULS), in Portimão, carried out around 1,600 complementary diagnostic and therapeutic examinations during the first year of healthcare activity.

The anniversary day, July 1st, was marked with a ceremony especially aimed at the institution's professionals, highlighting the importance of this service in the clinical response in the Algarve region.

During the opening session, Tiago Botelho, Chairman of the Board of Directors, stated that the “creation of a Nuclear Medicine Service with innovative features, in relation to what previously existed in the SNS in the region, was a step forward”, allowing “a closer and faster diagnosis, more present and more active and interconnected with other areas of health”.

Tiago Botelho also stated that, within a year, “a PET-TAC facility will be opening in the Algarve region, acquired entirely with funds from the Recovery and Resilience Plan ( RRP )”.

«This equipment will not be out of step with the Nuclear Medicine Service and is part of an integrated response strategy, with particular attention to the oncology area, which the Board of Directors decided to carry out», he explained and announced that «taking advantage of the European funds from the PRR and PO ALGARVE 2030», investments will be made from Lagos to Tavira, in the Health Centres and in the three hospitals (Faro, Portimão and Lagos).

Ana Paula Fidalgo, clinical director for the area of ​​Hospital Healthcare, congratulated the professionals for their professionalism and “tireless dedication to the Service “marked by technological advances and excellent diagnostics and an ongoing commitment to the well-being of our patients”.

Elísio Sousa, director of the Nuclear Medicine Service, highlighted “the importance of Nuclear Medicine in the region’s healthcare landscape”, highlighting the technical and scientific advances that have benefited Algarve users, thus reducing the need to travel outside the region to carry out highly differentiated examinations.

Designed to carry out complementary diagnostic and therapeutic examinations using small sources of radiation or radiopharmaceuticals, the Nuclear Medicine Service is equipped with sophisticated equipment and technologies available to carry out various procedures that support diagnosis in various medical specialties, as well as the treatment of various diseases.

The Nuclear Medicine Service has a fully equipped SPECT-CT room, Stress Test room, differentiated circuit (waiting room, bathrooms and changing rooms for patients who have been administered the radiopharmaceutical), Radiopharmacy room, radioactive waste room, medical office, reception, general waiting room, sanitary facilities and changing rooms for professionals.

The ceremony took place in the auditorium of the Hospital do Barlavento Algarvio, where the activity carried out was presented, as well as the contributions of this service in the diagnosis and treatment of various pathologies.