The HU (University Hospital) UFSC (Federal University of Santa Catarina) in Florianopolis, which started to deal only with cases referred by the government regulation system, has increased the number of pediatric beds. Depending on the hospital department, it had from 15 to 30 beds.

HU at UFSC doubled the number of pediatric beds for the emergency and emergency care network – Photo: UFSC/Disclosure/ND

The hospital said the measure is intended to meet the needs of the health care network in Santa Catarina and help organize care for children and adolescents.

In the department, the number of beds on the second floor, in the pediatric department, has been expanded from 15 to 22. In addition, eight other beds from the pediatric emergency structure, which opened in 2021, were included.

Satisfy the demand of the state network

The expanded space will meet the needs of the state healthcare network. That is, in order for a patient to receive care at a university hospital, they need to be treated at an emergency department or a hospital in the region that will refer them to the site.

The request was made by the SES (Secretary of State for Health). The goal is to work on solutions for local needs and support for the Joan de Gusmão Children’s Hospital, avoiding the problems of overcrowding in some departments.

In April alone, the unit made 59 calls, but the number varies greatly depending on the time of year, according to the hospital.