Healthcare || A total of 3,670 consultations were provided by nurses at the Algarve’s 32 beach health units in July, and blood pressure concerns were high among beach-goers, revealed the regional health authority (ARS).
Of the 2,139 cases that required treatment, blood pressure readings accounted for 799, followed by weever fish stings and insect bites (354), injections (166) and blood sugar tests (135). Seventy-seven beach-goers had to be sent to a health centre or hospital for further treatment.
Most consultations took place in the beach health units of Armação de Pêra, Ilha da Culatra, Monte Gordo and Quarteira, and 68.9% of the patients were resident outside the Algarve – foreigners accounted for 15.2%.
Data also showed that fewer beach-goers sought medical assistance last month when compared to July 2013 when 4,371 consultations were registered.
In order to dispel any concerns citizens may have about the region’s health services – in light of the ongoing protests over the shortage of doctors and nurses – ARS has assured that in addition to the hospital emergency services in Portimão and Faro, basic emergency care units (SUB) in Lagos, Albufeira, Loulé and Vila Real de Santo António will also remain open 24/7 throughout the summer.
