Yesterday, the Algarve was distinguished with the 'Angels' award, for being the Portuguese region to be the best prepared in Portugal to detect and treat patients with a stroke.
“This means that, despite having a region that is normally known as having a lack of medical care, we are the best organised to treat stroke cases,” said the president of the Algarve Intermunicipal Community (AMAL), António Miguel Pina.
The 'Angels' award was presented at a ceremony held in Faro, which highlighted the fact that the Algarve has been, since 2024, the first 'Angels' region in Portugal and the second in Europe.
“Yes, the people of the Algarve are better protected now against strokes, but we still have to raise awareness so they can do their part in preventing this disease”, said the mayor of Olhão.
According to the 'Angels' organisation, responsible for awarding the prize, the region's recognition in the detection and treatment of stroke cases “reflects the achievement of important milestones in the Algarve, in terms of quality, coordination and involvement of all stakeholders in the care and treatment” of this disease.
“We are delighted with this distinction, because the Algarve region also needs to have good news. There are things that are being done well in the region”, highlighted Ana Marreiros, from the Algarve Local Health Unit (ULS).
It is necessary to continue working to improve stroke survival rates, despite the 'Angels' award recognizing the commitment of public entities in the Algarve, mainly in the health sector, in the fight against the disease. Stroke is the main cause of death and/or disability in Portugal, and it is estimated that one in four people will have to face an accident of this kind in their lifetime. Figures revealed during the ceremony indicate that in the Algarve region, there are an average of 1,300 strokes occurring each year.
The ULS of Algarve, AMAL and the National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEM) are the main entities that have joined forces in the fight against the disease, but other organisations have also joined this objective.
Around 20 schools across the Algarve already have stroke awareness classes, but the aim is to extend the initiative to all educational establishments in the region.
The Ria Formosa School was the first to join the 'Fast Heroes' project, with two dozen students from this establishment explaining how they pass on to their elders what they learn in class.
The students present assured that they are now better prepared to detect signs of a stroke, such as a person with weakness on one side of the body, with changes or loss of vision, or difficulty speaking.
Once symptoms are detected, you must quickly call 112 to alert them to the need for assistance.
“With this project we want to guarantee a better quality of life for everyone”, said one of the nurses involved in the 'Fast Heroes' project.
Source https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/ - Photo courtesy of Depositphotos.com
W: https://www.angels-initiative.com/angels-awards
