Whilst attending for treatment at the Lagoa Health Centre (Centro de Saúde) last year, optometrist Roy Carpenter observed hard-working staff hampered by lack of equipment and materials resulting in low morale.
Thus he decided to donate a spare ophthalmic microscope which enables people with eye problems to be diagnosed locally and avoid the journey and waiting time at the Portimão Hospital.
He also suggested to the Lodge of Peace and Harmony in Lagoa that a donation towards new equipment would be appropriate. This was approved and six new sphygmomanometers for measuring blood pressure were provided, and the Masons hope to provide more help in the future.
While at the health centre, Roy Carpenter also noticed a shortage of other basic materials such as bandages, butterfly sutures and stocking assist gadgets to help elderly people in putting on sock and stockings, as well as more expensive equipment such as a Doppler instrument for detecting blood clots.
Photo: From left: Cristiano Teixeira (Senior Nurse), John Harkness (Lodge Master), Dr. Paulo Simões (Centro Director), Dr. Roy Carpenter (Lodge Almoner)
