Nicosia, Cyprus. The state health services organisation (Okypy) said on Monday that Nicosia General Hospital and the Makarios children’s hospital are strictly adhering to established health protocols. The statement followed complaints raised by the family of an autistic child.
Okypy response on staffing and protocols
Okypy said the paediatric intensive care unit at Nicosia General Hospital is staffed exclusively by paediatricians and specialised nursing staff with extensive experience, noting they frequently handle such cases. The organisation said medical protocol was strictly followed in the case and that laboratory tests showed the child’s life was not in danger.
Use of mild sedation during examinations
Okypy said that when children do not fully cooperate during medical examinations, a mild sedative may be administered through the nasal passage to help the child remain calm so procedures can be carried out, as was done in this instance.
Okypy spokesman Charalambos Charilaou told the Cyprus Mail that sedation is never the first choice. He said medical staff first attempt alternative measures and, if necessary, use a nasal spray as an initial step.
He added that if the nasal spray is unsuccessful, the next option is general anaesthesia or intravenous medication. Charilaou said autistic children may not respond in the same way as others, and that staff rely on the support of parents familiar with the patient before considering the use of a nasal spray.
Circumstances of the admission
Charilaou said the child was admitted following a traffic accident and required examinations including blood tests, an X-ray and a CT scan. He said the child’s condition made the procedures challenging and that measures to help the child relax, including the use of a nasal spray, were necessary.
What information do you think hospitals should provide to families about sedation options during paediatric examinations?
