The initiative, held at Sintra Hospital on October 20th, was attended by representatives from the Sintra Municipal Council and marked the start of operations for new Adult Community Mental Health Teams (Rio de Mouro and Cacém), the Child and Adolescent Community Mental Health Team of Sintra, and two Day Care Areas. These new services aim to provide more accessible and integrated care.
The teams, which have been operational since the beginning of the year, serve an approximate population of 150,000 inhabitants across the parishes of Agualva and Mira-Sintra, Cacém and São Marcos, and Rio de Mouro. The expansion of the Mental Health Department's area of responsibility is a significant milestone in reinforcing proximity care.
The opening session featured speeches by Sandra Cavaca, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of ULS Amadora/Sintra, Andreia Bernardo, councilor of the Sintra Municipal Council, Teresa Maia, Director of the Mental Health Department, and Catarina Pereira, Director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Service of ULS Amadora/Sintra.
A highlight of the event was the round table discussion “New Community Teams and articulation with their partners,” which brought together the heads of the new teams and representatives from various entities, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between health services and community resources.
The morning also included the conference “Mental Health Reform – a new cycle,” delivered by Miguel Xavier, national coordinator of Mental Health Policies, and a film screening by the Recomeço Association. The event concluded with a visit to the new community facilities at Sintra Hospital.
The presence of various partners underscored the importance of networking for developing proximity mental health services, contributing to more integrated care tailored to the population's needs.
