A growing nursing shortage is straining both the public and private healthcare systems in Cyprus, according to the Cyprus Nurses Union (PASYNO), which has issued a stark warning about the quality of care and the burden on remaining staff.
Speaking to SigmaLive, PASYNO representative Theodoros Petelis said that understaffing has become a structural problem, limiting the proper functioning of hospitals and the expansion of services, particularly in the private sector.
At present, around 135 nurses are on long-term medical or maternity leave, further exacerbating the situation. The State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY) has acknowledged the issue and promised to propose measures at an upcoming meeting. Among the options being considered is the hiring of healthcare assistants to help ease the load on registered nurses.
Mr Petelis stressed that while nursing schools continue to produce graduates, many are choosing to work privately or in home care rather than in hospitals. “Unless we see competitive pay packages and better working conditions, the nursing shortage will only worsen,” he warned.
He also noted that private clinics are unable to expand due to the lack of available nursing staff. “The main issue is that compensation packages are simply not attractive,” he said.
In the public sector, union meetings with OKYPY have concluded with confirmation that at least 33 additional nurses are urgently needed nationwide.
The Ministry is under increasing pressure to act, as both sectors struggle to fill gaps and maintain service levels.
Also read: Cyprus hospitals reduce beds as staff shortages bite
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