In Portugal, technical expertise and medical innovation are enhancing the patient experience
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The Gaia and Espinho local healthcare unit is modernising its diagnostic capacities with help from Sotécnica (VINCI Energies Building Solutions). An infrastructure refit featuring cutting-edge technologies is enhancing safety, clinical performance and the patient experience.
In Portugal, ULSGE, the Gaia and Espinho local healthcare unit in suburban Porto, has taken a decisive step in the modernisation of its diagnostic capacities thanks to a strategic collaboration between Sotécnica and GE Healthcare. This partnership illustrates how the alliance of technical expertise with medical innovation can transform the patient experience while optimising clinical performance.
Among the notable advances is the installation of a new angiography system, which both reduces the dose of radiation and improves image quality, allowing a more precise diagnosis of cardiovascular and neurological ailments. The GE ALLIA IGS 740 with AutoRight™ is an advanced interventional imaging system, is already operational, increasing treatment capacity, reducing waiting times and improving efficiency thanks to advanced technologies and integrated artificial intelligence.
Improving patient services
To achieve these objectives, Sotécnica managed all the technical adaptations necessary to integrate the equipment. As Carlos Carvalho, Business Unit General Manager at Sotécnica, explains: “This project perfectly illustrates the positive impact on patients’ lives of collaboration between experts in technical infrastructure and in medical technologies. Our expertise offers healthcare professionals a safe environment optimised to provide the best possible care.”
“The positive impact of collaboration between experts in technical infrastructure and in medical technologies”
Sotécnica’s involvement covered every technical aspect: refitting the spaces, the design and execution of technical plans, electrical installations, HVAC systems, and specialist plumbing for cooling and operating healthcare equipment. Constraints within the hospital, such as continuity in outpatient services, noise control and restricted-traffic zones, were managed to avoid disruption to clinical activities.
Integrated solutions
Sotécnica’s technical expertise combined with the cutting-edge technologies supplied by GE Healthcare to create a more modern, high-performance hospital environment. The integrated approach allowed a fluid installation tailored to the existing infrastructure.
“The collaboration was extremely positive, marked by excellent synergy between Sotécnica and the equipment supplier,” says João Couto Fernandes, architect at the Facilities and Equipment Department at ULSGE. “Their rigorous monitoring and constant communication facilitated decision-making and ensured that the works passed off smoothly.”
The project was executed in two phases: six months of preparation and technical design, followed by three months of works and commissioning, to ensure a result in line with healthcare standards and imaging equipment requirements.
Tangible benefits
In addition to the technical upgrades, the impact on patient care is tangible: reduced waiting times, safer examinations, improved image quality and an enhanced patient experience. Carlos Carvalho concludes: “Our technical expertise, combined with the medical innovation, allows us to create safer and more efficient healthcare environments, with direct benefits for patients and healthcare professionals alike.”
02/16/2026
