The Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC) - Hospital Pediátrico is a leading pediatric healthcare institution in Portugal, dedicated to providing exceptional medical care for children and adolescents. As a part of CHUC, one of the largest healthcare groups in the country, the Hospital Pediátrico focuses on delivering comprehensive and specialized services tailored to the unique needs of younger patients.

Mission

The mission of the Hospital Pediátrico is to offer high-quality, patient-centered care, ensuring the health and well-being of children and their families. The hospital is committed to advancing pediatric medicine through continuous education, research, and the implementation of innovative medical practices.

Vision

The vision of the Hospital Pediátrico is to be recognized as a benchmark for pediatric healthcare, both nationally and internationally. The hospital aims to set the standard for excellence in clinical care, education, and research, ultimately contributing to the improvement of pediatric health outcomes.

Values

• Compassion: Providing empathetic and respectful care to all patients and their families.
• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in medical practice, education, and research.
• Collaboration: Fostering teamwork among healthcare professionals, patients, and families.
• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to enhance patient care.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical principles and transparency in all aspects of care and operations.

The specialized services at Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra - Hospital Pediátrico include:

1. Pediatric Oncology: Offering comprehensive cancer care for children, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and supportive care.
2. Neonatology: Providing specialized care for newborns, particularly premature infants or those with complex medical conditions.
3. Pediatric Cardiology: Diagnosing and treating congenital and acquired heart diseases in children, including interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery.
4. Pediatric Neurology: Managing neurological disorders in children, such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and neuromuscular diseases.
5. Pediatric Surgery: Performing a wide range of surgical procedures tailored to the needs of pediatric patients.
6. Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU): Offering intensive care for critically ill children requiring advanced monitoring and treatment.
7. Pediatric Gastroenterology: Addressing gastrointestinal disorders in children, including inflammatory bowel disease, liver diseases, and nutritional issues.
8. Pediatric Endocrinology: Treating endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, growth disorders, and thyroid conditions in children.
9. Pediatric Pulmonology: Managing respiratory conditions in children, including asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic lung diseases.
10. Pediatric Hematology: Providing care for blood disorders, such as anemia, clotting disorders, and hemophilia.
11. Pediatric Nephrology: Treating kidney-related conditions, including acute and chronic kidney diseases and kidney transplants.

The quality of Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra - Hospital Pediátrico can be assessed through various aspects, including patient care, clinical outcomes, facilities, and patient satisfaction. Here are some key points about the quality at this hospital:

1. Patient Care:

   • The hospital is known for its specialized pediatric care, offering a wide range of services for children from newborns to adolescents.
   • Multidisciplinary teams ensure comprehensive care, addressing not only medical needs but also psychological and social aspects.

2. Clinical Outcomes:

   • The hospital maintains high standards for clinical outcomes, often participating in national and international benchmarking studies to compare and improve performance.
   • Regular audits and quality assurance programs are in place to monitor and enhance clinical outcomes.

3. Facilities and Equipment:

   • The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and facilities tailored specifically for pediatric care.
   • Continuous investment in the latest medical equipment ensures that patients receive the most advanced treatments available.

4. Accreditations and Certifications:

   • The hospital has received various accreditations and certifications from national and international healthcare quality organizations, reflecting its commitment to maintaining high standards of care.

The strategic direction and purpose of Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra - Hospital Pediátrico (CHUC - Hospital Pediátrico) can be summarized as follows:

Strategic Direction

1. Excellence in Pediatric Care: To provide high-quality, comprehensive pediatric care through advanced medical practices and cutting-edge technology.
2. Patient-Centered Approach: To ensure that care is tailored to the unique needs of each child, promoting a holistic and compassionate approach to treatment.
3. Innovation and Research: To foster innovation through research and development, collaborating with academic institutions to advance pediatric medicine.
4. Education and Training: To be a leading center for the education and training of healthcare professionals specializing in pediatrics.
5. Community Engagement: To engage with the community by providing outreach programs and health education to improve public health.

Purpose

1. Enhancing Child Health: To improve the health and well-being of children through specialized medical services and preventive care.
2. Support for Families: To provide support and resources for families, ensuring they are partners in the healthcare process.
3. Multidisciplinary Collaboration: To work collaboratively across various specialties to deliver integrated care for complex pediatric conditions.
4. Accessibility and Equity: To ensure all children have access to high-quality healthcare regardless of socio-economic status.
5. Continuous Improvement: To continually assess and enhance healthcare services to meet evolving healthcare standards and patient needs.

Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC) – Hospital Pediátrico has received various accolades and recognition for its commitment to healthcare excellence, research, and innovation.

1. Clinical Research Excellence: CHUC is recognized as a national reference for healthcare innovation projects. The hospital conducts extensive clinical and translational research, with a strong focus on areas such as neurological and cardiovascular diseases, among others. In 2019, CHUC had 126 active clinical trials involving 826 patients, and by the end of 2020, it was a partner in 21 internationally funded projects​​.

2. European Reference Networks: CHUC is a member of multiple European Reference Networks, which signifies its adherence to high standards in providing specialized care across various medical disciplines​​.

3. Academic Partnerships: The hospital's partnership with the University of Coimbra under the Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC) further highlights its commitment to integrating clinical care, education, and research. This consortium aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in healthcare​​.

4. Innovation and Development: The Unit of Innovation and Development (UID) at CHUC supports and manages research activities, furthering the hospital's mission to lead in biomedical research and healthcare innovation​.

These recognitions underscore CHUC's pivotal role in advancing healthcare through research, education, and patient-centered care, making it a leading institution not only in Portugal but also on a broader European scale.