REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE SERVICE

Mission of the Service

Provide infertile couples, particularly in the region of Beira Interior, with simple access to comprehensive reproductive health care, in order to meet their special needs, both in terms of diagnostic tests and of first- and second-line treatments to promote fertility. 
Participate in pre- and post-graduate teaching and collaborate on national and international research projects in related areas.

History of the Service

The Reproductive Medicine Unit of the Cova da Beira Hospital Centre, a Service under the Department of Health of Children and Women, began operating in August 2009. It was authorised by the Ministry of Health to provide first-line treatments (intrauterine insemination - IUI) in March 2010, with the birth of the first baby using this technique in December 2010 and second-line treatments (in vitro fertilisation - IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection - ICSI) in January 2011, with the birth of the first babies (twins) in August 2011. This Service was certified, according to the ISO 9001:2008 standard, in November 2011.

Description of the Service

The Reproductive Medicine Unit is located on the ground floor of the Pêro da Covilhã Hospital. The Service performs an average of 250 assistive interventions per month, including infertility consultations, complementary diagnostic tests and first- and second-line medically assisted procreation treatments.

Teaching Activity

The Reproductive Medicine Unit, through its members, participates in graduate and post-graduate teaching, in collaboration with the University of Beira Interior and with the Polytechnic Institutes of Guarda and Castelo Branco.

Scientific and Research Activity

The Reproductive Medicine Unit participates in research projects in the Medically Assisted Reproduction field in collaboration with the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Beira Interior, with the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco and in international partnership with the Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto - FAMERP and the University Centre of Rio Preto - UNIRP - São Paulo - Brazil.

Department Director
Prof. Dr. José Martinez-de-Oliveira

Service Director
Prof. Dr. António Hélio Oliani

Head Nurse
Nurse Rosa Moreira

Contacts
Secretariat
E-mail: umr@chcbeira.min-saude.pt
Phone: (+351) 275 330 000 (ext. 15400)