Larnaca: The new Accident and Emergency Department at Larnaca General Hospital is set to open to patients between September 5 and 10, with its completion expected shortly, Health Minister Michael Damianos announced. The new department offers more areas compared to the previous one, marking a significant enhancement for public health services in Larnaca, he added.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Damianos highlighted ongoing efforts to alleviate congestion in Accident and Emergency Departments through the introduction of Rapid Transit Clinics (RTCs) in Larnaca, Famagusta, and other cities. This initiative addresses prior concerns about long waiting hours in emergency departments, which have been significantly reduced with the implementation of RTCs.
RTCs were launched on a pilot basis starting March 31 in Nicosia and June 2 in Paphos, and have already catered to a substantial number of patients. In Larnaca, the RTCs began operations on July 18, functioning from Friday to Sunday and attending to an average of 18 patients daily. Health Ministry data indicates that by August 26, the Larnaca General Hospital’s RTC had examined 329 patients.
The Minister also mentioned that on August 18, a seasonal RTC commenced at Famagusta General Hospital, where half of the patients have been treated at the Rapid Transit Clinic. In its first nine days, it examined 145 patients, with an average of 16 visits per day. This RTC operates during the summer to meet the increased demand during the busy tourism season.
Regarding the new ward at Larnaca General Hospital, Damianos stated that progress on the mental health clinic, dentistry, and mother and child areas is expected to be completed by the end of September, with an official handover anticipated in about a month.