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Historical reference of health in Santa Catarina, Hospital Santa Teresa completes a new stage of revitalization after years facing serious structural problems, including electrical installations from the 1940s, and advances in a broad modernization plan.
Hospital Santa Teresa (HST), located in São Pedro de Alcântara, in Greater Florianópolis, is experiencing one of the most important moments in its recent history. Known for its relevance in dermatological care in Santa Catarina and also for the structural difficulties accumulated over decades, the hospital complex has begun a profound transformation that seeks to recover deteriorated areas and modernize essential services.
According to information released by the Government of Santa Catarina and the State Health Department, the unit completed another stage of the revitalization works with an investment of R$ 700,000. The information was released after the delivery of the renovation of Medical Clinic 2, considered one of the most significant interventions carried out in the hospital in recent years.
The change represents a milestone for an institution that, until recently, faced problems considered critical and that compromised the full functioning of several sectors.
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Hospital Santa Teresa leaves behind a scenario of deterioration
Built in 1940, Hospital Santa Teresa holds great historical importance for public health in Santa Catarina. For decades, the unit was a reference in the care of patients with leprosy, operating in a model that reproduced a small town, a common characteristic of the old colony hospitals existing in Brazil.
However, over the years, the lack of investment resulted in a series of structural problems that progressively worsened.
According to a report published by the ND Mais portal in 2023, the hospital was among the six hospitals in Greater Florianópolis classified as in critical condition by the State Health Department itself.
At the time, reports were frequent about cracks in buildings, compromised roofs, deteriorated walls, old plumbing systems, and limitations that hindered the installation of new medical equipment.
Additionally, the unit lived with structures that had not received modernization for decades, making the environment increasingly challenging for patients and professionals.
1940s Electrical Network Was One of the Biggest Challenges
Among the most concerning problems was the electrical network.
A significant part of the system still used original components from the hospital’s inauguration, which took place in 1940. There were records of poles deteriorated by time, old electrical panels, and an infrastructure considered insufficient to meet the needs of a modern hospital unit.
The situation generated operational restrictions and raised concerns related to the safety of patients and medical teams.
According to the hospital director, José Augusto da Silva Velho, the complete replacement of the electrical network was considered an absolute priority within the modernization process.
“The Santa Teresa Hospital has become a true construction site. One of the most important renovations was the complete renewal of the electrical network, which was from the 1940s, and enabled other improvements. In all this time, there has never been such a serious and committed investment from the State,” highlighted the director.
The electrical modernization paved the way for a series of complementary interventions that could not previously be executed due to the limitations of the existing infrastructure.
Renovation Expands Beds and Improves Patient Care
One of the main deliveries of this stage was the complete revitalization of Medical Clinic 2.
The space underwent a comprehensive renovation, with improvements made from floor to ceiling. As a result, the sector received 16 fully equipped beds with new furniture, providing more comfort and functionality for patients and care teams.
The modernization also prioritized accessibility and humanization of care.
Among the improvements implemented are:
- Installation of bathrooms adapted for people with disabilities (PWD);
- Widening of doors to facilitate circulation;
- Installation of sinks in all rooms;
- Complete replacement of floors;
- Structural renovation of the roof;
- Installation of new ceilings;
- Renewal of electrical and plumbing networks;
- General painting of the environments.
The changes raise the standard of care and make the spaces more suitable for the current demands of hospital care.
In addition to the benefits for hospitalized patients, the improvements also contribute to offering better working conditions for healthcare professionals.
Construction continues and new beds are already planned
The revitalization of Hospital Santa Teresa is far from over.
According to the Government of Santa Catarina, about 60% of the roof restoration works have already been completed. The intervention includes replacing the old coverings and continuing the modernization of the electrical infrastructure in different areas of the complex.
Another important front involves the external painting of the buildings and the renovation of a building that will be used to expand the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic, a sector that keeps the hospital as a state reference.
Additionally, a new phase is scheduled to start in July.
The schedule includes interventions in three currently deactivated pavilions. After the completion of the works, the spaces will be able to provide up to 30 new beds, significantly increasing the unit’s service capacity.
The expectation is that this expansion will further strengthen the hospital’s role within the Santa Catarina public network.
At the same time, the institution also delivered this year the revitalization of the Health Space, an environment dedicated to physical therapy and physical education activities for hospitalized patients.
Historic hospital seeks to write a new chapter
With more than eight decades of existence, Hospital Santa Teresa carries a trajectory deeply linked to the evolution of public health in Santa Catarina.
For many years, structural difficulties and the absence of investments turned the complex into a symbol of the challenges faced by part of the public hospital network.
Now, the scenario is beginning to change.
The ongoing works represent not only a physical recovery of the facilities but also an attempt to preserve a historical heritage while adapting to modern care standards.
According to information released by the Government of Santa Catarina, the goal is to ensure more safety, operational efficiency, and quality care for patients who depend on the services offered by the unit.
After decades of dealing with outdated structures, including an electrical network dating back to the 1940s, Hospital Santa Teresa begins a new phase marked by investments, increased service capacity, and the recovery of spaces that remained for years without significant renovations.
Source: ND Mais. Report published about the revitalization of Hospital Santa Teresa, in São Pedro de Alcântara (SC), with information from the State Health Department of Santa Catarina and the Government of Santa Catarina.
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