Larnaca, Cyprus. The family of a 42-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis filed a formal complaint on Friday, alleging inadequate care at Larnaca general hospital after she was found unconscious on a toilet floor and later diagnosed with a cerebral haemorrhage.
The woman remains intubated in critical condition in the intensive care unit.
Hospital admission and surgery
According to the complaint, the woman was admitted on January 15 for a scheduled hysterectomy, which was carried out the following day. Her post-operative condition was initially assessed as stable.
Family notified of brain haemorrhage
Three days later, on Sunday, the family said they were informed she had suffered a serious brain haemorrhage and was in a coma. Tests later confirmed she had suffered a cerebral haemorrhage.
Allegations about catheter removal and requests for help
The family claims that on Saturday the patient asked medical and nursing staff not to remove her catheter, citing severe dizziness and an inability to move safely due to her condition, and alleges her request was ignored.
They also allege that on Saturday evening she contacted relatives to say she had repeatedly used the call bell to request assistance to go to the toilet but received no response.
Account of where the patient was found
According to her medical file, at 6.20am on Sunday the patient was found lying face down on the floor of a hospital toilet, partially unclothed and wet. The family said this contradicted earlier information suggesting she had fallen from her bed.
What steps should hospitals take to ensure patients who report dizziness receive timely assistance when requesting help to move?