Pasydy on Monday condemned a violent attack at Nicosia General Hospital, in which a patient allegedly assaulted healthcare staff during an MRI examination.
The incident occurred on Saturday in the hospital’s MRI department, when a patient reportedly became distressed during the scan. According to information provided to the police, a radiologist noticed the patient moving inside the scanner, making it difficult to complete the examination.
Incident during MRI scan
Staff said the radiologist asked the patient to remain still and attempted to leave the scanner room. However, the patient continued to move, began shouting and swearing, and allegedly started throwing equipment onto the floor.
The situation escalated when the patient is reported to have assaulted and punched the radiologist. A nurse who approached to assist was also struck.
The nursing and radiology branches of Pasydy said the incident endangered the physical safety of staff and underlined the risks healthcare workers face while performing their duties.
Union calls for staff protection
Pasydy called on all involved parties to take staff safety seriously and urged the implementation of measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The union also expressed sympathy and full support for the workers who were attacked.
The incident has been reported to the police, though no arrests have been made so far.
Police investigation ongoing
Okypy spokesman Charalambos Charilaou said the police investigation is expected to be completed soon. He noted that, if deemed necessary, patients can be arrested even while hospitalised, adding that relevant legislation has recently been strengthened.
Charilaou described the incident as particularly concerning, stressing that healthcare workers “are there to help” and should not be subjected to violence, threats or abuse while at work.
He also pointed out that when patients are known to have difficulties with MRI scans, including claustrophobia, appropriate measures can be taken to avoid such situations.
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