VRSA invests in the municipality's health and presents a new digital platform

The Main Hall of the Vila Real de Santo António City Council (VRSA) hosted, on Thursday, July 31, the ceremony honoring health professionals and non-clinical professionals from the municipality's functional units, on which occasion the new Health Microsite was also presented, a digital proximity platform created to strengthen communication in the local health area.

The session was attended by Álvaro Araújo, president of the VRSA Municipal Council , Álvaro Leal, councilor responsible for Administrative Modernization, and nurse Patrícia Jerónimo, representing the Municipal Health Office.

Also present were Dr. Dorinda Santos, representing the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Algarve Local Health Unit, Dr. Tiago Botelho, and Dr. Catarina Gouveia, representing the Clinical Director for primary health care, Dr. Rubina Correia.

The opening session was led by coach Manuel Manero, who led a presentation focusing on the importance of motivation, emotional leadership, and teamwork in the public health sector.

This was followed by the presentation of the Health Microsite – Municipal Health Office, a new digital communication channel for the municipality, which will bring together updated information on projects, services, campaigns and health resources in the VRSA territory.

The tool was developed by the Communication and Promotion Subdivision of the City Council, in conjunction with the Municipal Health Office, and aims to facilitate the population's access to useful and reliable information on local health.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of honorable mentions, in public recognition of the continuous, humane and specialized work for the health and well-being of the community.

The following were distinguished: Institute for Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies (ICAD – VRSA); Esteva Family Health Unit; Levante Family Health Unit; Shared Assistance Resources Unit (URAP); VRSA Public Health Unit; Community Care Unit (UCC); ACeS III Management Support Unit – Sotavento (VRSA Unit); Community Palliative Care Support Team; VRSA Community Psychiatry Team; Citizen's Office – ACeS Sotavento.

The diplomas were received, on behalf of their respective teams, by: Dr. Sandra Caixerinho (ICAD - VRSA); Dr. Lívia Dari (USF Esteva); Dr. Ricardo Cordeiro (USF Levante); Dr. Luís Abobeleira (URAP); Dr. Halyna Karuna (VRSA Public Health Unit) Nurse Lígia Ferreira (UCC); Dr. Suzel Faustino (Management Support Unit - ACeS III); Dr. Fátima Teixeira (Palliative Care Team); Dr. Manuela Gonçalves (Citizen's Office); Dr. Catarina Gouveia, who received the distinction on behalf of the VRSA Psychiatry Team.

In his speech, the Mayor of VRSA emphasized that "these distinctions are awarded to entire teams, who daily provide close care with rigor, humanity, and dedication. The municipality publicly recognizes the fundamental role these structures play in the region, even in highly demanding and complex contexts."

The new municipal health digital platform will be available soon and aims to strengthen proximity to citizens and give greater visibility to local health responses.