AFTER 15 years of campaigning by both doctors and patients, Faro District Hospital now has a dedicated cancer ward.
At the new unit, cancer patients will have the advantage of continuous improved care. Such patients were previously placed in wards used for other specialities or transferred to other hospitals, namely in Lisbon.
Work began on the new oncology department, situated on level three in the main building, in February 2004. There are 10 beds in the fully equipped ward and four full time nurses.
Headed by Irene Furtado, director of the Serviço de Oncologia Médica, the unit also counts on the services of a further three cancer specialists. With the renovation work and new equipment acquired, the unit represents a total investment of around 310,000 euros.
