Coronavirus: Nurses press for better working conditions at vaccination centres

Nurses on Thursday asked for better working conditions for health professionals administering vaccines to ensure their safety and that of the public while also keeping the vaccination programme at speed.

In a written announcement, the nurses’ branch of civil servants’ union Pasydy said they had appealed to the deputy director of nursing services Evagoras Toumbouris in view of problems arising with vaccinations islandwide.

Health professionals took up the very important role of vaccinating the public from day one and “will continue tirelessly, working in very difficult conditions, powering through with the guidance, support and coordination of the nursing services,” the announcement said.

In the announcement, nurses also detailed a number of issues that need to be addressed if the vaccination programme is to continue at the same speed.

Firstly, they asked for the improvement of existing spaces and the opening of new ones, also suggesting extending working hours so that they can be divided into two shifts, which will give staff time for breaks and allow for

In addition, they suggested that vaccination centres’ staff capacity can be extended through more overtime work, and hiring more staff, either through buying private services or enlisting student nurses and medics.

To further improve conditions, nurses also suggested installing air-conditioning units inside vaccination centres and sun canopies and water fountains for outdoor waiting areas.

Health professionals will continue to carry out vaccinations until the entire population is inoculated, but for that to happen they need substantial support and safer, more humane working conditions, the announcement concluded.

Finally, it called on the public to stick to their appointment times in order to avoid overcrowding and unnecessary inconvenience.