Nicosia, Cyprus. Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides on Wednesday urged the public to await the final police report into the death of a 42-year-old woman who died two weeks after a hysterectomy at Larnaca general hospital. He said multiple authorities are now involved following a complaint filed by the woman’s family.
Minister cites parallel inquiries
Speaking after a visit to Nicosia general hospital, Charalambides said inquiries had been launched “from the very beginning” and that an investigation was ordered immediately by his side. He said the state health services organisation, Okypy, had confirmed the appointment of investigating officers to examine the circumstances.
Case under criminal investigation
Charalambides said that following the family’s formal complaint to police, the matter was also under criminal investigation. “We must wait for the final findings and the outcome of the police investigation,” he said.
Timeline of hospitalisation and death
The woman, identified as Georgia Christofi, was admitted to Larnaca general hospital on January 15 for a scheduled hysterectomy, which was carried out the following day. Her post-operative condition was initially described as stable.
Days later, she suffered a severe cerebral haemorrhage and was found unconscious, face down on the floor of a hospital toilet, partially unclothed and wet. She subsequently fell into a permanent coma, was intubated in the intensive care unit and died two weeks after the surgery.
Family allegations
Her family has alleged serious shortcomings in her care, claiming she repeatedly asked staff for assistance to go to the toilet and warned that she was dizzy and unable to move safely.
What findings will the final police report provide about the circumstances surrounding Georgia Christofi’s death?
