The Local Health Unit (ULS) that combines the hospitals of Vila Real, Chaves, and Lamego was created in January and, according to a statement released today, it showed an “improvement in its hospital care indicators compared to the same period last year” up to July.
The health unit specified that between January and July, it recorded growth in its main production lines, with 5,706 more consultations (2.6%), 596 more surgeries (5.5%), and 3,704 more day hospital sessions (9.6%) compared to the same period in 2023. During this period, 36 more deliveries were also performed than in the same period last year.
“It’s also worth noting that the waiting lists for oncological surgeries were reduced as part of the Health Emergency Plan, with ULSTMAD now ensuring a faster and more efficient response for patients with urgent needs,” emphasized the ULS, which is headquartered in Vila Real.
Using another comparison period, the health unit reported that between July 2023 and June 2024, it also saw an increase in consultations, surgeries, and day hospital sessions compared to the same period (July 2022 to June 2023). The total number of consultations increased by 1%, totaling 365,765.
In this 12-month period, the Local Health Unit performed 19,263 surgeries, representing a 10.5% increase, with conventional surgery increasing by 4.4% and outpatient surgery by 15.5%. Day hospital activity also saw an 8.5% growth, with hemodialysis sessions recording the highest increase at 16.4%. Oncology sessions also grew by 4.5%.
“These results are a reflection of the quality, willingness, collaboration, and dedication of ULSTMAD employees, who daily contribute to fulfilling the mission of providing excellent health care directed at the population’s needs, providing them with longevity and quality of life,” emphasized the board of directors.
Created in early January, the ULS of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro integrates 59 functional primary health care units in 23 health centers, which, together with the three hospital units (Vila Real, Chaves, and Lamego), serve a population of about 369,000 inhabitants. This ULS covers an area of 5,500 square kilometers and serves 21 municipalities.
