The Flores Healthcare Centre already has already has a hyperbaric chamber, the third to enter operation in the Azores, after the previous two that were installed in the Ponta Delgada and Horta hospitals.

When visiting the premises of that health unit on Monday morning, the President of the Regional Government stressed the importance of the hyperbaric chamber for the Western Group to counterbalance its territorial isolation and, consequently, the distance and time to access better equipped healthcare facilities.

“This hyperbaric chamber also represents another investment we have made make here in this healthcare centre," Carlos César said, reminding the hydrotherapy services were opened a few months ago.

In addition to treating diving disorders, mainly those caused by the decompression sickness, the chamber will also be used in the treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning, severe burns, diabetic foot and other pathologies.

Stressing that this field of medicine is not yet very developed in Portugal, the President of the Government highlighted the existence of only two hyperbaric chambers in Mainland Portugal and one in Madeira. The operation of a hyperbaric chamber on Flores will significantly improve the services provided by that health unit.

“We are undertaking this effort,” said Carlos César, who pointed out the fact that Health, alongside Education, “is one the main areas of our operating expenses, and even in some investment components, but it is necessary and understandable in light of territorial dispersion.”

The President of the Government stated that the operation of the Flores Healthcare Centre has registered normal levels and mentioned that “the implementation of moderating fees has been widely understood by the population.”