The Regional Secretary for Health assured yesterday that the "Estagiar L" programme will remain the same way when it was implemented in 1998.
 
"We are talking about a professional traineeship and not a curricular traineeship. At University, nutritionists, psychologists and nurses have a strong practical component during their degree, but we are talking about another reality, that is, professional traineeships," stressed the government official.
 
Rui Luís spoke on the sidelines of the Pinning Ceremony, promoted by the Portuguese Nursing Association, stressing that this programme allows hundreds of young graduates to enter the labour market. In this regard, he rejected the idea that it is being used to meet permanent needs.
 
"The permanent needs of various services are being filled with opening of applications; we have provided 136 vacancies over the last two years." The government took the opportunity to announce that "the Santa Maria Health Unit will open next week 4 vacancies that will meet local needs."
 
In his speech, he emphasised that privileging dialogue and consensus with institutions does not mean that they always have to agree.
 
With regard to the recommended number of nurses and the study indicating 291 nurses as the necessary number to address nursing shortages, the Regional Secretary states that the Government intends to reach a figure close to the study within 4 to 5 years.
 
"The Regional Government is analysing the needs and resources available together with each Island Health Unit and the 3 Hospitals. In the near future, we will certainly expect to open more vacancies," assured the government official.
 
Questioned by journalists about the protest and surrender of professional titles on the part of specialist nurses in maternal health and obstetrics, Rui Luís stressed that he acknowledges the claims; however, he disagrees with the form of struggle that has jeopardised the services provided to patients.
 
"I call all parties to reach a consensual solution in a short period of time, as it has been urged by the President of the Nursing Association, the Minister of Health and the President of the Republic," said the government official.