Centro Hospitalar do Oeste, E.P.E. (CHO) is a public health institution located in the Oeste region of Portugal. It was established to provide comprehensive healthcare services to the community across several municipalities. The hospital center comprises multiple units, each offering a range of medical specialties and services to meet the diverse needs of the population.

Mission

The mission of Centro Hospitalar do Oeste is to deliver high-quality healthcare services, ensuring accessibility, efficiency, and patient-centered care. The hospital strives to improve the health and well-being of the community through preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services.

Vision

Centro Hospitalar do Oeste aims to be recognized as a leading healthcare provider in the region, known for its excellence in medical care, innovation, and continuous improvement. The hospital is committed to adopting the latest medical advancements and technologies to enhance patient outcomes.

Values

• Excellence: Providing top-notch healthcare services with a focus on quality and safety.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and transparency in all operations.
• Compassion: Ensuring a compassionate and respectful approach to patient care.
• Collaboration: Fostering teamwork and partnerships within the healthcare community.
• Innovation: Encouraging the use of advanced technologies and practices in medical care.

Centro Hospitalar do Oeste, E.P.E. (CHO) offers a wide range of specialized services to meet the healthcare needs of the population in the Oeste region. Some of the key specialized services provided by CHO include:

1. Cardiology: Diagnosis, treatment, and management of heart conditions, including interventional cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation.
2. Oncology: Comprehensive cancer care, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology.
3. Orthopedics: Treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including joint replacement surgeries, trauma care, and rehabilitation.
4. Neurology: Management of neurological disorders, including stroke care, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases.
5. Gastroenterology: Diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, including endoscopic procedures.
6. Pediatrics: Specialized care for infants, children, and adolescents, including neonatology and pediatric surgery.
7. Obstetrics and Gynecology: Comprehensive care for women, including prenatal care, childbirth, and gynecological surgeries.
8. Pulmonology: Diagnosis and treatment of respiratory conditions, including asthma, COPD, and lung infections.
9. Ophthalmology: Eye care services, including cataract surgeries and treatment of various eye conditions.
10. Dermatology: Treatment of skin conditions, including skin cancer, eczema, and psoriasis.
11. Urology: Management of urinary tract and male reproductive system conditions, including prostate surgeries.
12. Psychiatry: Mental health services, including treatment for depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders.

The Centro Hospitalar do Oeste, E.P.E. (CHOeste) has made significant strides in enhancing the quality of its healthcare services. The hospital focuses on delivering care with rigorous technical, scientific, and organizational excellence, ensuring that patient needs are met with the highest clinical standards and efficient resource utilization.

Key Quality Initiatives and Achievements:

1. Reduced Wait Times: Efforts to decrease patient wait times have been successful. For instance, the average wait time for surgeries has dropped by 7.5 days from June 2021 to June 2022, and by 63 days compared to December 2019. Similarly, the average wait time for consultations improved, with a notable reduction from 178.3 days in 2019 to 113.5 days recently​.

2. Increased Surgical Output: The number of surgeries performed has significantly increased. In the first half of 2022, CHOeste conducted 4,338 surgeries, a 40.8% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, and a 15% increase from 2019​​.

3. Enhanced Emergency Services: The hospital has seen a substantial rise in emergency service utilization, with 83,143 emergency episodes recorded in the first half of 2022, a 47.9% increase compared to the previous year​​.

4. Strategic and Sustainable Development: The hospital is committed to continuous improvement and sustainable growth. This includes enhancing patient comfort and safety, expanding service accessibility, and promoting ambulatory care as a priority to reduce traditional hospital admissions. The CHOeste also focuses on efficient resource allocation and maintaining high standards of clinical and ethical practices​​.

Strategic Direction:

Centro Hospitalar do Oeste (CHO) aims to be a leading healthcare provider in the Oeste region of Portugal, focusing on high-quality patient care, innovation, and sustainability. The strategic direction of CHO encompasses the following key areas:

1. Patient-Centered Care: Prioritizing patient needs and ensuring that all healthcare services are tailored to provide the best possible outcomes. This includes improving patient satisfaction, safety, and overall experience.

2. Quality and Excellence: Continuously enhancing the quality of healthcare services through the implementation of best practices, adherence to clinical guidelines, and regular performance evaluations. The hospital is committed to achieving and maintaining high standards of clinical excellence.

3. Innovation and Technology: Investing in advanced medical technologies and promoting innovation in healthcare delivery. This includes adopting new diagnostic and treatment methods, as well as leveraging digital health solutions to improve efficiency and patient care.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of Centro Hospitalar do Oeste is to deliver comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality healthcare services to the population of the Oeste region. The hospital is dedicated to improving health outcomes, enhancing the well-being of the community, and providing compassionate care to all patients. Key aspects of CHO's purpose include:

• Ensuring timely access to a wide range of medical services, from preventive care to advanced treatments.
• Promoting health and preventing disease through education, early detection, and intervention.
• Supporting patients and their families with empathetic and holistic care, addressing both physical and emotional needs..

Centro Hospitalar do Oeste, E.P.E. (CHO) has received various awards and recognition over the years, reflecting its commitment to excellence in healthcare services. Here are some of the notable achievements:

1. Quality and Safety Awards: CHO has been recognized for its adherence to high standards of quality and safety in patient care. This includes certifications and awards from national and international healthcare accreditation organizations.

2. Innovation in Healthcare: The hospital has received awards for its innovative approaches in medical procedures, patient care, and hospital management. This includes the implementation of advanced medical technologies and practices.

3. Patient Satisfaction: CHO has been acknowledged for its high patient satisfaction rates. Surveys and feedback from patients have consistently highlighted the hospital’s dedication to providing exceptional care and service.

4. Environmental Sustainability: The hospital has been recognized for its efforts in promoting environmental sustainability. This includes awards for energy efficiency, waste management, and sustainable practices within the hospital facilities.

5. Staff Excellence: Various staff members at CHO have received individual awards and recognitions for their contributions to healthcare. This includes awards for outstanding performance, research, and community service.

6. Community Engagement: CHO has been commended for its active engagement with the community. This includes organizing health awareness programs, free medical camps, and other community-oriented initiatives.