The Local Health Unit of Santa Maria (ULSSM) celebrated the 50th anniversary of Speech Therapy at Santa Maria Hospital on Tuesday, October 13th. Founded during a period of democratic consolidation and before the formal creation of the National Health Service, the specialty at ULSSM continues to be a pioneering example of strategic vision and innovation.
At the opening ceremony, held at the Aula Magna of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Carlos das Neves Martins, highlighted the specialty's significant journey. He reinforced the core principles guiding the work of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technicians: Innovation, Differentiation, and Proximity. Martins outlined a future focused on bringing healthcare closer to people and families, emphasizing multidisciplinary approaches and technological tools, as well as management models that motivate teams and attract young talent.
The commemorative event included a scientific meeting that gathered health professionals, researchers, and representatives from educational institutions and sector organizations. Throughout the day, discussions covered the historical evolution, research, and advanced therapeutic interventions, with panels dedicated to the specialty's role within multidisciplinary teams and the contribution of the Speech Therapists' coordinator, Pedro Aires de Sousa.
Speech Therapy addresses crucial areas such as language, speech, voice, augmentative and alternative communication, and swallowing, significantly contributing to the quality of life for those in need.
