On August 13th, during the morning period, a visit was carried out to the Educational Centre of Bela Vista, located in Lisbon, in order to follow-up of the Recommendation no. 1/2015/MNP. A conversation was held with the director and the facilities of female residential unit were observed. Only three of the eight young persons who are currently in the centre were in the facilities, but a dialogue with these young people was held, discussing several issues, namely leisure time and the vocational training provided. It had been recommended that measures should be taken in order to improve the housing conditions of the female population in the Bela Vista Educational Centre, namely: i) the residential unit’s adaption to the possibility of overnight staying of young mothers with new-born children; ii) creating spaces for breastfeeding, introduction of nurseries and nappy changing facilities; iii) toilets’ modifications; and, iv) possibility of concluding Protocols with the Ministry of Health in terms of uniformed health care (v.g., psychological assistance during preborn and after birth periods). The educational centre’s Director informed that it would be inconvenient carry out major works, as young mothers will be moved to the Educational Centre of Navarro de Paiva, whose buildings are properly prepared. Regarding the toilet’s modifications, the Centre’s Director confirmed the need to adapt the facilities to young women, and he expected that this situation would be solved until the end of the year. Concerning the access to healthcare services it was possible to perceive that contacts were made with public healthcare providers and the assistance provided was improved. Despite not having a designated family doctor, the young women are attended by the same doctor in the public health centre. Also the young women have access to family planning appointments in the Paediatric Hospital D. Estefânia and to psychotherapeutic support provided by a qualified staff member. The Centre started to have the support of a nurse and, from September onwards, a doctor will provide medical counselling once a month. On the other hand, it was confirmed by the director that is sufficient to place a cot or a small bed (especially intended for infants) in the parent room and the needlessness of other spaces, in addition to the mother’s bedroom. Following the approval of the Decree-Law No. 117/2014, August 5th, the young women under care are now exempt of paying the patient contribution fee that is due when accessing public healthcare services. There were concerns raised regarding the access to mental health care (insufficient response) and the inadequate conditions of the facilities. • 20 |