President Nikos Christodoulides on Monday inaugurated the renovated and expanded Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) at Nicosia General Hospital, following a €4.1 million investment aimed at improving patient care and working conditions for healthcare staff.
Speaking at the inauguration, Christodoulides said the project would significantly improve the conditions in which patients are received and treated, while making the demanding work of medical staff easier.
He stressed that health and education were the government’s top priorities, describing investment in both sectors as a commitment that went beyond financial considerations.
Patients attending the emergency department need to be examined promptly, informed about their condition and given appropriate care, he said.
New facilities for families and healthcare staff
Christodoulides highlighted two changes introduced as part of the renovation.
The first is a dedicated area where relatives can receive updates from doctors. He said it was important for families to have an appropriate setting in which to ask questions and understand what was happening to their loved ones.
The second is a staff rest area, which he said reflected the government’s responsibility to improve working conditions and provide a suitable environment for medical and paramedical personnel.
Better working conditions, he added, could also help improve staff efficiency.
The President also shared his personal experience of visiting emergency departments on two occasions, including a recent visit when he had to wait briefly.
“On both occasions when I had to bring my daughters, the response was exemplary,” he said, thanking the staff for their service.
Hospital upgrades planned across Cyprus
Christodoulides said the Nicosia project formed part of a broader effort to upgrade public hospitals across the country.
At Nicosia General Hospital, the expansion of the fourth floor, which houses the Neurology Clinic and Stroke Unit, has been completed. The next objective is to establish an Infectious Diseases Unit.
At Makarios Hospital, an extensive programme includes a new paediatric emergency department, renovations to the gynaecology and paediatric surgery clinics, and improvements to paediatric wards. Work is also continuing on a new floor to accommodate the Thalassaemia Centre and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Plans are progressing for a new specialist paediatric oncology clinic, with a significant contribution from the private sector.
At Limassol General Hospital, the expansion of haemodialysis facilities has been completed, while a new High Dependency Unit is under development. Plans also include an Infectious Diseases Unit, a Day Care Unit and upgrades to the emergency department.
Renovation work is progressing at the Radiology Department of Larnaca General Hospital. At Paphos General Hospital, general improvement works are nearing completion, while plans are in place to convert the second floor of a new building into an oncology department and facilities for patients with thalassaemia.
The wider programme also includes a new €17 million hospital in Polis Chrysochous, the second phase of mental health projects and the renovation and upgrading of Troodos Hospital.
Energy-efficiency and construction upgrades are also under way at Famagusta General Hospital.
Government thanks hospital staff
The President thanked all healthcare workers and support staff at the emergency department, including doctors, nurses, porters, reception staff, cleaners and technical services personnel.
He acknowledged that staff had continued treating patients while construction work was under way, despite the additional difficulties this created.
Christodoulides said healthcare professionals were best placed to identify what was needed to improve the department further, adding that the government was prepared to listen to their recommendations.
He also referred to cooperation with the Cyprus Federation of Patients’ Associations (OSAK) and the Pancyprian Medical Association on improving healthcare services.
EU funding and future investment
Christodoulides thanked everyone involved in the project and highlighted the European Union’s contribution through co-funding under the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
He said the government was examining proposals for new co-funded programmes worth more than €3.5 billion. Decisions are expected to be taken by the Council of Ministers in September 2027.
The President reiterated that healthcare remained a central government priority and said the authorities were open to proposals aimed at improving services.
Also read: Doctor lifts the lid on conditions at public hospitals in Cyprus
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