Cyprus’s state hospitals are heading towards major industrial action after the nurses‘ union announced its members have authorised immediate strike measures, including possible work stoppages, across all state health services.
General assemblies of the Pan-Cyprian Nurses’ Association (PASYNO) unanimously authorised the executive board to activate even a full work stoppage, sending what the union called a “clear and resounding message” that “the situation has reached its limits”.
According to PASYNO, public hospitals, the ambulance service and specialised units now face pressures that exceed staff capacity, creating dangerous conditions for both health professionals and patients.
The union called on state health services organisation SHSO and all relevant authorities to immediately take responsibility and move towards substantial solutions without further delay.
“The situation has reached breaking point,” it said, stressing that high turnout at the general assemblies confirmed the depth of accumulated anger and the profession’s determination to demand immediate changes.
At the heart of the criticism is chronic understaffing, which PASYNO describes as a “primary and non-negotiable issue”. The problem not only remains unresolved but continues to burden staff, creating conditions that directly threaten patient safety, the union said.
The crisis is not limited to general hospitals but extends across all SHSO structures, according to the union.
Staff in the ambulance service work under unbearable pressure due to serious shortages, which affects timely and safe response to emergencies, PASYNO said.
At specialised units such as Athalassa Hospital, SHSO’s inaction and inability to secure adequate staffing constitute a management crisis that cannot continue without immediate intervention, according to the union.
The union warned that “all structures face pressures that exceed staff capacity”, whilst the quality of health services provided is “seriously threatened” without immediate action.
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