The Family Health Units of Valongo and São João do Sobrado, integrated into ULS São João, celebrated last Friday, September 4th, two decades of activity. The commemorative sessions allowed a review of 20 years of work, evolution, and commitment to providing proximity care to the populations of Valongo and São João do Sobrado.
These two units were part of the first four Family Health Units created in Portugal, together with USF Condeixa and USF Nascente. The creation of these units represented, at the time, a change in the organization model of primary health care, with greater emphasis on proximity and follow-up of populations.
The sessions also served to reflect on the current challenges of the sector, namely the integration of USF into Local Health Units, as well as the benefits and difficulties associated with this new organizational model. The importance of continuity of care provided to populations was also highlighted.
In marking the 20 years of the two units, ULS São João highlighted the contribution of these structures to primary health care and the fundamental role they continue to play in providing proximity care to the community.
