Brazil adds high‑dependency unit in Espírito Santo and respiratory therapy in Acre

The Hospital Estadual Dr. Alceu Melgaço Filho in Barra de São Francisco, Espírito Santo, inaugurated a six‑bed Unidade de Alta Dependência de Cuidados (UADC) on 3 March. The unit, overseen by Dr. Alan Veloso and a multiprofessional team, expands intensive care capacity, aims to keep patients locally and reduce transfers to other hospitals.

Fundação Hospitalar Governador Flaviano Melo (Fundhacre) in Rio Branco, Acre, began offering respiratory physiotherapy at the Instituto Nacional de Traumatologia e Ortopedia on 26 February. Sessions are provided twice weekly for conditions such as COPD, post‑COVID‑19 sequelae, thoracic surgery recovery and tetraplegia. President Soron Steiner said, "Iniciamos um novo ciclo na Fundhacre," and the first patient, Daia Moura, expressed relief at finally accessing the service.

Both initiatives enhance Brazil’s public‑hospital network by adding specialised care for high‑complexity patients and expanding rehabilitation services.