São Miguel expands staffing and hours to catch up on breast screening
São Miguel adds a technician and extends working hours to tackle breast cancer screening delays that have persisted for around two and a half years.
A newly recruited technician and extended working hours are the Azores Oncology Centre’s measures to clear a backlog in breast cancer screening, particularly on São Miguel. Staffing difficulties have persisted for around two and a half years, affecting the service available to women covered by the programme.
The centre’s president, João Macedo, told [Açoriano Oriental]() that two of the island’s three assigned technicians had frequently been absent. The latest appointment follows recruitment rounds that attracted no applicants and increases capacity as the centre works through outstanding screenings.
Macedo identified 2027 as the target for clearing the backlog, depending on extended hours and the restoration of staffing levels. He said screening schedules across the other islands were generally being maintained.
Women facing a prolonged wait for an invitation are being advised by the centre to contact its administrative services. Staff can clarify the delay and check addresses, telephone numbers and registration details, since missing invitations can also be linked to outdated records.
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