Nicosia, Cyprus. A three-month-old baby hospitalised with injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome remains in critical condition at Nicosia’s Makarios hospital, Okypy said on Wednesday. Police have arrested the baby’s 28-year-old father, who was remanded for three days.
Medical findings and treatment
Okypy spokesperson Charalambos Charilaou said examinations at Makarios hospital showed the infant had sustained injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome, including a cerebral haemorrhage. The baby required urgent surgery shortly after admission, was intubated, and remains in the intensive care unit for treatment.
Arrest and investigation
Police arrested the father on Tuesday on charges of child abuse and causing grievous bodily harm. Speaking to CyBC radio on Wednesday, police press officer Christodoulos Konsolos said evidence has been collected against him and that previous offences on the father’s file will be considered during the investigation.
Timing of notification and court order
Konsolos denied any delay in the arrest, saying police were alerted by the hospital on Tuesday about the baby’s condition, although the infant had been admitted on Friday. The father was taken to court on Wednesday morning, which issued a three-day remand order.
What steps do you think should be taken to ensure hospitals promptly alert police in suspected child abuse cases?
