The Regional Secretary for Health revealed that Velas Health Centre on São Jorge Island has just received the quality certification, conveying his "satisfaction" for the fact half of regional health units have already been certified or are in the final stages of the certification process.
 
"It is a positive differentiation that makes us proud and contributes to ensuring the quality of health services, focused on patients and their needs, with clear benefits for the population," said Rui Luís.
 
For the next five years, the Velas Health Centre will be monitored in order to comply with its Internal Improvement Plan, as with all other units that have been certified.
 
Among the 17 health centres in the archipelago, the Health Centres of Angra do Heroísmo, Praia da Vitória, Horta and Vila Franca do Campo have already been certified.
 
"If we take into account the health centres in the final stages of the certification processes, the number of certified health units in the Region already represent more than 50%, which is a source of satisfaction," said Rui Luís.
 
The accreditation process is guided by a constant adaptation of procedures based on benchmarks in terms of good practices and encourages teamwork, requiring the participation and involvement of managers, health professionals and all workers of the health unit.
 
"This distinction allows us to rationalise human and technical resources, boost the confidence of patients in services, and reduce the clinical risk of patients and health professionals," said the Secretary for Health.
 
The accreditation process of health units in the Azores started in February 2016 with the certification of Faial Island Health Unit.
 
The establishment of policies in the regional health system for the promotion of quality in the regional health system is crucial to the continuous improvement of the care provided as well as to the greater satisfaction of patients and professionals.
 
The Regional Health Plan is based on the establishment of practices that promote a Regional Health Service of excellence, corresponding to the quality requirements that are nowadays indispensable to any health service.