Nicosia, Cyprus. Private hospitals warned on Friday they would “take action” unless the government acts immediately to address a critical shortage of nurses. Pasin chairman Marios Karaiskakis said hospitals were being pushed to the brink.
Hospitals cite sustained understaffing
Speaking on CyBC radio, Karaiskakis said private hospitals have been pressing for action since before Christmas, after meetings with the health ministry and parliament produced promises and timetables that were not delivered. He said hospitals were operating at the limit in terms of nursing staff.
Employers’ federation authorises measures
The warning followed a decision this week by the employers’ and industrialists’ federation (Oev) to authorise measures over understaffing, including postponing hospital operations. Oev said the situation was deteriorating at the expense of patients, public health and the viability of private hospitals.
Foreign nurse recruitment legislation at centre of dispute
Karaiskakis said the dispute centres on legislation that would allow private hospitals to recruit foreign nurses more easily. He said a bill discussed in parliament was vetoed after union objections, and that the health ministry then commissioned another staffing study.
What impact do you think delayed staffing measures could have on patient care in private hospitals?
