D-Notícias

At the moment some 150 youngsters are being treated at Hemorio for diseases such as leukaemia and lymphoma.  The biological characteristics and the prognoses of such diseases in this age bracket are very different from those of adults.  In addition to the excellent treatment offered by this hospital, the Teen Ward (Hospedaria Juvenil) ensures that the special needs of these young patients are met, responding to their concerns and the special interests of young people between twelve and eighteen years old. 

The activities planned for this Teen Ward ensure internet access for these youngsters, with weekly visits by a young monitor who teaches them to how use graphic design programmes, together with classroom support from volunteer university students.  A satisfaction survey is planned for these patients, which will also chart the most frequent risk situations faced by these young people, such as sexually transmitted diseases, teen pregnancy, dropping out of school, drug use and violence. 

The Teen Ward is one of the projects backed by the Extending the Welcome (Ampliando o Acolher) Programme run by the Instituto Desiderata.  Structured with the paediatrics staff of Hemorio, it was brought to life by the volunteering efforts of set designer Gringo Cardia.  A partnership with Posto 9 Produções and the Instituto Gaylussac School ensured the feasibility of launching this special ward in November 2008.