The Patient Rights Observatory of the Cyprus Federation of Patient Associations (OSAK) recorded a range of complaints last month spanning supply shortages, delayed responses by healthcare staff, patient injuries, overcharging and possible medical negligence, the federation said.
Complaints covered both public hospitals under the State Health Services Organisation and private sector hospitals operating within and outside the General Healthcare System.
Medication errors and hygiene failures
One patient reported a series of incidents during a hospital stay, alleging that staff attempted to administer insulin to him despite him not being diabetic, that a consumable previously used on another patient was used on him, and that a fellow patient suffered a bleeding episode without an immediate response from staff.
The same patient alleged shortages of basic materials for surgical wound care and delays in changing soiled bed linen. During discharge, he claimed a cannula was removed without adequate hygiene measures, and that both he and his wife were subjected to dismissive and aggressive behaviour by staff.
Injury during ward transfer
A relative of an elderly patient who was hospitalised following a sudden illness told the Observatory that the patient suffered a shoulder dislocation while being moved by nursing staff. After discharge, bruising was found on the patient’s ribs and other parts of the body.
The relative said the injuries may have resulted from a fall inside the hospital, though the patient herself was unable to give a clear account of events due to her condition. The family asked the federation to advise on the procedure for submitting a formal written complaint so that the circumstances of the injuries could be investigated.
Delays and overcharging
A father complained of significant distress caused to his minor child during a scheduled surgical procedure, alongside overcharging by the hospital.
He alleged that due to poor scheduling the child was left fasting and waiting for an extended period, causing considerable psychological distress. He also alleged that excessive and unjustified charges were imposed without prior written notification or a cost breakdown, with medical services billed separately per procedure, significantly increasing the total amount. The father requested a review of both the scheduling procedures and the billing policy of the hospital concerned.
Cannula left open after disconnection
A separate complaint concerned an incident at an Accident and Emergency department during the investigation of abdominal pain. After receiving antibiotics and undergoing a CT scan with contrast dye, the patient had an intravenous drip administered, which was later disconnected due to discomfort.
The patient alleged that after disconnection the cannula valve was left open, resulting in significant blood loss and a temporary loss of consciousness before staff noticed. After leaving the hospital he suffered an allergic reaction and received medication.
Possible medical negligence
The Observatory recorded two complaints involving possible medical negligence in March. The federation noted that neither can be investigated by the Observatory, as both fall under police jurisdiction.
In the first case, a woman told the Observatory she believed her sister’s death may have been linked to failures in care. The deceased had a history of cancer and was admitted to hospital following a fall, where she underwent removal of a silicone implant.
During her stay, the complainant alleged, symptoms possibly indicating thrombosis appeared without timely treatment, and there were delays in physician attendance. The death certificate lists thrombosis and cardiac arrest as the cause of death. The family is seeking an investigation into the circumstances of the hospitalisation and the medical decisions taken.
In the second case, a relative of a patient alleged possible misdiagnosis or inadequate investigation of the causes of the patient’s deteriorating condition, alongside inadequate care during hospitalisation, hygiene failures, the development of pressure sores, and limited communication with the family. The family has requested a full investigation into the hospitalisation conditions, the medical decisions taken, and the diagnostic process followed.
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