Nurses union Pasyno on Monday added its voice to condemnations of an attack against medical staff at Polis Chrysochous hospital over the weekend, calling on the state to protect health professionals from acts of violence.

“Staff are there to treat patients and not to accept violence of any kind,” Pasyno said.

It said it would not tolerate similar incidents.

A 27-year-old Paphos man was arrested on Saturday night for public swearing and causing malicious damage at Polis Chrysochous hospital’s A&E.

“Staff are there to save lives, not be the subject of attacks,” state health services (Okypy) said.

Police said they were called on Saturday evening with a report that someone was causing damages at Polis Chrysochous hospital.

They found the 27-year-old causing a disturbance before managing to calm him down with the help of hospital staff before arresting him.

Okypy said that the drunk man had been taken to A&E by his father.

“Okypy strongly condemns such incidents and expresses its undivided support to the staff,” the organisation said.

The man was arrested on charges of being drunk, causing concern, public swearing and causing malicious damage.

Police said in addition to attacking staff at the hospital, the 27-year-old also damaged computers at the scene, causing as yet unestimated damages.