CLÍDIS on the road to becoming the Hospital Particular de Sines

HPA Magazine 9

Last year, CLÍDIS – Sines Diagnostics Clinic – became part of the HPA Health Group, distinguished as the most well-regarded unit on the Alentejo Coast. It is closely allied with the Clinica Particular de Odemira and the Clínica Particular de Vila Nova de Milfontes, but has an identity and challenges specifically its own: to become the Hospital Particular de Sines. 
CLÍDIS has existed for over 40 years and has a firm history of quality in Clinical Analyses. However, over the past year, an important focus has existed in other services and specialities, laying the groundwork for the transformation of CLÍDIS to be the next hospital unit of the HPA Health Group: the Hospital Particular de Sines. Dr João Pimenta, the administrator, explains what has already developed and what is planned for the near future. 

Dr. João Pimenta

Administrator CLÍDIS
Director of HPA Alentejo Units

WHICH PROJECTS WERE IMPLEMENTED OVER THE PAST YEAR IN REGARD TO NEW AVAILABILITIES?
Dr JP – It was quite a year for changes, at all levels, but always with an eye to the future of CLIDIS as the Hospital Particular de Sines and as a benchmark for Coastal Alentejo. Among the projects that have already been implemented and resulted in new services for the population we serve, the highlight has to go to the new outpatient service of CLÍDIS. A total reformulation for outpatients that resulted in:
· Creation of the Emergency Service, integrating doctors, nurses, radiology and clinical analyses, from Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 10 PM.
· Doubling the capacity of consultations and treatment rooms with new fields, such as Ophthalmology, and reinforcing specialities such as Cardiology, Orthopaedics, Gastroenterology and OB/GYN. 
· Acquisition of equipment for the availability of new complementary means of diagnoses, such as OCT (Ocular Tomography) and Biometrics. The inclusion of new techniques such as Cryotherapy or the renovation of the endoscopy department also contributed to the increase in the response that CLÍDIS can give to the necessities of the population we serve.

Another project that is nearing completion and which will have an enormous impact on the population is the Reformulation of Imagology, including Magnetic Resonance and the modernisation of the rest of the equipment (X-ray, Ultrasound, TAC), aligned with the latest technologies and which guarantee a substantial improvement in service.
It belies credibility to think that there is no Magnetic Resonance in Coastal Alentejo and we are certain that this facility, in this area, will be of huge value for the population.

HAS THERE ALSO BEEN EXPANSION AND RENEWAL OF AGREEMENTS?
Dr JP – There has been a significant expansion in agreements with various specialities, as well as new agreements. This is a work-in-progress and will gradually be strengthened until, with the implementation of the hospital project, it becomes possible to have total coverage for all of the main specialities and agreements, just as with the other hospitals in the HPA Health Group.
We have worked with the main insurance companies in order to achieve an increasing coverage for the policyholders, and we have also made efforts with ADSE and other sub-systems to improve access for the beneficiaries of our services.

THE AVAILABILITY OF THE CARECARD WILL STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES. WHAT STRATEGIES DO YOU FORESEE IN THIS AREA?
Dr JP – The CareCard has two aspects that we consider fundamental. The first is related to partnerships with businesses and institutions, as referred to in the question. With this card, businesses on the Alentejo Coast can give their staffs the benefit of access to health services throughout the HPA Health Group at controlled prices and with discounts of up to 30%. This is only one of the business services we offer and with which we hope to create relationships with institutions in this region.
The other aspect that we consider essential, especially while we do not have the coverage of agreements with all of the subsystems, is to have a solution that allows any citizen to join individually for only €3/month, assuring access to more accessible prices to the facilities that are not contracted with insurance companies. What we do offer is an alternative for those who do not have insurance or health plans. 

WHAT INCENTIVES WERE GIVEN TO THE CLINICA PARTICULAR DE ODEMIRA AND CLINICA PARTICULAR DE VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES THIS YEAR?
Dr JP – Our clinics have been continuously growing, allowing us to be closer to our clients and offering more and more services. We highlight some initiatives: 
· Installation of the Clinica Particular de Vila Nova de Milfontes in an easily accessible location, with excellent conditions and, proudly, continuity to the work of Dr Duarte Silva;
· Solving the problems with the air conditioning at the Clinica de Odemira;
· Availability of new specialities in both clinics;
· Increased opening hours;
· Availability of nursing services.

THE FIRST QUESTION ABOUT THE FUTURE HOSPITAL PARTICULAR DE SINES IS: WHEN WILL IT OPEN?
Dr JP – Work has already begun and it is predicted to open during 2018. However, throughout the year, we will make new specialities as well as diagnoses and therapies available.

HOW WILL NUMBER OF BEDS AND CAPACITY BE ALLOCATED?
Dr JP – The Hospital will open with a maximum capacity of 18 beds and 3 operating theatres and a room dedicated to special exams.

SHARING HUMAN RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES IS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT POLICY OF THE HPA HEALTH GROUP. WILL THE HOSPITAL PARTICULAR DE SINES AND THESE RESOURCES ALSO BE SHARED?
Dr JP – Of course! It is one of the greatest strengths of this project and something that will be decisive for its success. I have no doubt that a proven and integrated management system, shared among the various HPA units, allows for an efficient management of resources and technology. On the other hand, an excellent clinical staff rooted in constant sharing of knowledge and experience are fundamental to assuring the best service or referral for our clients, giving them an ever more wide-ranging and integrated response.