Nicosia: Public hospital Accident and Emergency Departments (A and Es) and the State Health Services Organisation's (SHSO) Ambulance Service are fully prepared for the August 15 holiday, State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY) spokesperson Charalambos Charilaou told CNA, assuring that the necessary planning, staffing, and expertise are in place to deal with any emergency.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Charilaou stated that public hospitals and the Ambulance Service remain on alert throughout the summer, a period when patient numbers often rise, particularly due to road accidents and other serious medical emergencies.
Charilaou mentioned that A and E departments and the Ambulance Service are adequately staffed with the necessary doctors and personnel to respond to unexpected or serious cases, including strokes and heart attacks. At the same time, A and E departments are experiencing increased attendance amid very high temperatures, with cases of heat stress, sunburn, and minor accidents, as well as a rise in hospital admissions.
'A and E attendance is up and there are also more admissions,' he said, adding that summer holidays among personal and specialist doctors in the private sector are also contributing to increased demand. Charilaou noted that patients are presenting with symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, sunburn, and minor injuries sustained either in the mountains or at sea. No patients are currently hospitalized with heatstroke, however.
Most heat-related cases involve vulnerable groups, including children, elderly people, and those with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions. Patients suffering from heat stress are assessed and generally discharged without requiring hospitalization. On road accidents, Charilaou said the services remain vigilant throughout the year, although heavier traffic during the summer can lead to more accidents on certain days.
He added that daily figures show no significant change compared with previous years, either in the number or type of cases. 'We are on alert for anything that may happen,' he said, expressing the hope that people will reach their destinations safely.