The Regional Secretary for Health announced today the admission of four more nurses for the Azores Health Line as well as for the follow-up of patients during the flu season.
 
"We are going to hire four more nurses, which representing a reinforcement of almost 50%. Moreover, we will implement the follow-up of patients, that is, within four hours after people call, there will be a return call to check if patient improved or took the recommended medication," said Rui Luís. He spoke during a visit to the Assistance and Emergency Management Room of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service.
 
The Azores Health Line, 808 24 60 24, registered last year a growth 30% in the number of calls compared to 2016 and there was also an increase in the length of calls.
 
"These data justify the reinforcement of nursing posts in order to improve primary care, the follow-up of cases and response to requests for secondary referrals," the Secretary for Health said, adding that these "changes will be maintained after the flu season peak."
 
This 24-hour service provides screening and referral, public health assistance and therapeutic counselling provided by health professionals.
 
The flu peak in the Azores may occur in February, later than Mainland Portugal, where the flu activity is currently of low intensity, according to the National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge.
 
"With these measures, we are investing in prevention in order to guarantee adequate responses at a time when people tend to resort to emergency services more often. Casuistry shows that flu cases tend to increase after Carnival festivities," said Rui Luís.
 
The Regional Secretariat for Health launched today a campaign intended to raise awareness and disseminate the Azores Health Line through the media, mentioning the advantages of using this telephone line.