The Regional Government established on Friday a cooperation protocol with the House of the Azores of North Region with the aim to reinforce psychosocial support to patients receiving health care at hospitals in Northern Mainland Portugal, particularly in the city of Porto, where the number of cancer patients from the Azores has been growing.

During the ceremony held in Ponta Delgada, the Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity highlighted the importance of this initiative, defending that the Regional Government should "stand on the side of the Azoreans wherever they are," especially of those who are "facing a particularly difficult situation" that requires "the presence and support of the Regional Government."

"This is how we take action with the Azoreans residing in the archipelago. This is how we should take action with those who need to leave their island for reasons of illness, which is one of the most vulnerable conditions that people face throughout their lives," said Piedade Lalanda.

The Regional Secretary said "this protocol confirms the practice of solidarity demonstrated by the House of the Azores of the North Region." In this context, the government official stressed "the willingness of the Azoreans residing in Mainland Portugal in providing the best conditions not only to Azorean patients, who are in a vulnerable condition and need support, but also to the family members accompanying them."

Hence, Piedade Lalanda acknowledged the importance of the support provided by the House of the Azores of the North Region to Azorean patients; it will be now included in patient support services, already available in Lisbon.

The service provided by the House of the Azores of the North Region is carried out in partnership with the Portuguese League Against Cancer, being the result of a partnership with the Angra do Heroísmo Hospital League of Friends.