Metropolitan Hospital serves açaí, with flavor and affection, at patients' lunch
Initiative combines regional culture, nutrition, and humanization by offering açaí - one of the favorite foods of the people from Pará - to those undergoing treatment at the Burn Treatment Center
The Metropolitan Hospital of Urgency and Emergency (HMUE), in Ananindeua, Metropolitan Region of Belém, has included açaí in the menu for patients hospitalized in the Burn Treatment Center (CTQ). This initiative is part of the humanization and sustainability actions, which aim to bring hospital food closer to regional habits, valuing the culture and well-being of users.
The açaí seeds, a food that is part of the daily routine of the people from Pará, were harvested from the açaí trees grown in the Hospital, carefully processed and blended for the patients' consumption.
Hospitalized for 52 days after suffering an electric shock, Wellington Oliveira, 26 years old, from the municipality of Acará, in the northeastern region of Pará, celebrated the new addition served this Friday (24). “I have açaí every day at home. When I saw it would be here too, my day became even happier. It’s something that is part of our life, and it changes our mood,” said Wellington, showing his joy with a smile.
Another supporter of the initiative was Carlos Ramires, 20 years old, from Castanhal (Metropolitan Region of Belém), who has been undergoing treatment for 100 days due to an accident. “Açaí is part of our culture. Receiving it here in the hospital was very good because we feel closer to home. It’s a nice reminder of our daily life,” he stated.
Pediatrics - The action also delighted the companions and pediatric patients. Amanda Santos, 23 years old, mother of Mirela Santos, 2 years old, said that her daughter was excited to receive the food with lunch. “Mirela was all happy. She loves açaí and it was very beautiful to see her joy here in the hospital,” said the mother.
According to the Nutrition Coordinator of HMUE, Sueanne Pacheco, offering açaí in hospital food goes beyond pleasing the palate. According to her, it is a form of comprehensive care. “Hospital nutrition can also be welcoming. Including foods that are part of the routine and emotional memory of patients contributes not only to physical recovery but also to emotional well-being. Açaí is a symbol of our culture and brings this comfort,” she emphasized.
The Metropolitan Hospital of Urgency and Emergency is a reference in high complexity and integrates the public health network of the Government of Pará, under the management of the National Institute of Social and Human Development (INDSH), in partnership with the State Department of Public Health (Sespa). It mainly serves victims of trauma and burns.
