During a visit to Paphos hospital on Tuesday, Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou said the ministry understands the problems there and is looking for solutions.
He stressed the visit is the second to the hospital in an effort to understand the situation and do something about it.
Talking about staffing in the A&E department, he said there is no problem as some claim. According to the minister there is enough medical staff and there are normal shifts. However, he said it has been observed in other hospitals that in the afternoons staff treat patients who don’t have urgent problems.
“Our intention is that there is a screening for emergency situations and those that are not urgent should wait,” he said.
Asked why the nephrology clinic has 14 beds while according to legislation it should have eight, he replied the number of beds are the ones needed by the clinic.
Referring to the number of beds in general, he said “we cannot increase the number of beds in all hospitals overnight”.
The intention is to upgrade the capacity, he noted, adding that a letter was sent to the public works department in September, but nothing happened though the health ministry approved the funding and the funds are available.
He expects the department of works to proceed with the costing and the upgrade. Two meetings took place with the minister of communications and works in May to help the process along.
On the fact that the nephrology clinic in Paphos is now manned by just one nephrologist as the second one had an accident, while there are five at Larnaca hospital, he said an attempt has been made since last Friday, when the accident happened, to either purchase services or temporarily transfer a doctor from another hospital to solve the problem.
Ioannou added in general doctors are placed in hospitals by the health ministry on the basis of the workload at each of them.
Mentioning patient referrals, he said handling them was up to the hospitals.
“We, as a ministry and as a government, have received and approved an additional €11 million for referrals. Unfortunately, not only in this hospital, but in all hospitals, there is a delay in referrals.”
The ministry has asked all hospitals to send waiting lists, and if there are incidents pending since August this means they were not handed in.
11 Comments
Mike-H
June 24, 2018 at 17:25A few years ago I had an operation in the evening my dressing slipped and I asked for it to be attended to, the Nurse looked and said ” this is a man’s job I am a Woman”
Damova
June 20, 2018 at 09:08Paphos general needs a complete revamp and adequate staffing. Its in a mess.
Fashionista
June 19, 2018 at 19:44Tuesday 19th June. I registered at the hospital at 8.40 am and paid the 6 euros for my appointment with Mr. Metaxa in the orthopaedic clinic. From 9.00 am to 1.25 pm Imsatnin the overcrowded orthopaedic clinic waiting area. Around 11 am one of the drs was called away to,operate and a nurse informed his waiting patients they would be seen by an alternative dr. At 1.00 o’clock we were informed that. mr. metaxa a was with the Health minister. What a pity they didn’t visit the waiting area and admire the chaos. After a further half hour I decided enough was enough so upped and came home.fortunately mine was only a post op check up but there were many there who,needed treatment.
Denis Haigh
June 20, 2018 at 09:35Yes must agree, may be he should try being a patient incognito then he would see the real actual problems.
Denis Haigh
June 20, 2018 at 09:38I know of an individual with a vast experience within hospitals who can sort most of the problems out if he was given the chance, he’s services have been offered but not taken up on.
Fashionista
June 20, 2018 at 20:00I too have experience within the UK. I was asked to,make some observations and suggestions by the consultant gastroenterologist…….I submitted this but none of my recommendations were acted on.
Denis Haigh
June 20, 2018 at 20:14Wow that’s great news maybe we can get together to help improve the situation. After all none of it is space science.
Fashionista
June 20, 2018 at 19:56My husband and I have both been inpatients and we have used the general,since 2004. We have no complaints about the medical,side of
Things, it is just the organisational skills,that are missing. The nursing service also leaves a lot to be desired. BUT the end result is 4 successful cataract ops, 2 hip,replacements, 1 shoulder rebuild and excellent treatment from our cardiologist.
Denis Haigh
June 20, 2018 at 20:11Hi Fashionista , that’s really good news for you both and pleased that you have received excellent positive treatments .
I recently visited the A&E Dept with an elderly friend, and was far from being impressed as also was the case on the ward.
My experience is in the design, construct, commission and operate hospitals and obtain joint Accreditation from the USA for hospitals, so as you will appreciate my concerns as I am not a layman. I do specialise in Sterilisation of medical equipment, Dialysis system design as well as infection control. Let’s hope a non bias Audit can be carried out to ensure the residents and holiday makers get a first class service.
Eye on Cyprus
June 19, 2018 at 18:40Time to form a Ministry of Outstanding Pledges. This latest pledge could join the pledges given to the Troika; the Title Deed pledges; etc.
Guest
June 19, 2018 at 18:12Solve the problems during his visit, eh? He must be a fast worker.