News at Sasso Rosso
A few months ago, the Cantonal Centre for Sports Medicine (CCMS) of the Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC) moved to its new premises on the ground floor of the CST’s Sasso Rosso building. This provides an opportunity to look back at its history and take stock of its development.
The CCMS was established in 2003 on the initiative of a group of specialised doctors from Ticino with a passion for sport. It was the first initiative of its kind in the canton, created to meet the need for medical care that takes account of the specific demands of high-performance sport and provides specialised advice. The Sports Medicine Centre was based at La Carità Hospital in Locarno, where its close cooperation with the CST created valuable synergies. Thanks to this collaboration, it was awarded the Swiss Olympic label as early as 2005.
Close to the world of sport
In 2018, the CCMS moved to the Naviglio building within the CST. This marked a significant improvement in the quality of its services, thanks to its close proximity to the athletes staying in Tenero. Coaches, elite athletes attending training camps and young athletes can therefore access a fast and direct point of contact whenever they require performance testing or assistance with a health issue. In the event of an emergency, however, patients must still be taken to hospital by ambulance.
The CCMS recently moved again due to the ongoing construction work on the CST Aquatic Centre, which will require the partial demolition of the Naviglio building. The centre is now located on the ground floor of the Sasso Rosso building, significantly improving the quality of the spaces available to doctors and patients, as well as accessibility, particularly for users who are not staying at the CST.
A strong local presence
The Medical Centre has always aimed to go beyond the field of competitive sport. “The CCMS is not only for elite athletes, but for the entire population,” explains Dr Patrick Siragusa. “We welcome anyone who needs treatment, advice on prevention or simply support in taking care of their health.”
The CCMS also takes part in local events such as Sportissima and Sportech, which provide important opportunities to raise awareness among both adults and young people about prevention and health.
An interdisciplinary service
The move represented a major change for the CCMS, which had to adapt to new premises and rethink the organisation of its equipment and work areas. It was a demanding process, but one that was approached with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. “Every change is an opportunity to grow and improve,” says Patrick Siragusa.
The CCMS works on an interdisciplinary basis, offering a comprehensive range of services in sports medicine: from the treatment of injuries and illnesses to preventive medical examinations, as well as sports diagnostics, biomechanical analyses, nutrition, sports psychology and cardiovascular prevention. The centre can also rely on specialists such as a cardiologist, paediatrician and orthopaedic specialist, enabling it to meet patients’ needs across different areas of health.
An integrated rehabilitation pathway
The partnership with the CST is also a major strength in the fields of sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Part of the rehabilitation process can be carried out directly in the gym, ensuring continuity between medical care, physiotherapy and athletic preparation. This integrated approach allows the CCMS to support athletes at every level, from recreational participants to professionals, while always placing the individual’s overall health and well-being at the centre.
At the same time, the centre benefits from the full range of services provided by the Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, of which it is an integral part, thereby ensuring patients receive comprehensive care across all areas of medicine.
Text: Martina Ponti
Photos: Charlène Mamie