Health authorities and state hospitals are focusing on the next 10 days, as winter viruses—particularly influenza—continue to surge and are expected to drive up hospital admissions.
Wards reached 85%-90% capacity by yesterday afternoon. Nicosia General Hospital’s A&E treated 1,251 patients between 23 and 28 December, many with flu and seasonal infection symptoms.
Children accounted for 362 of those cases, handled by paediatric A&E.
The busiest day was 26 December, with 160 adult cases and 75 children. For children specifically, 28 December saw the highest attendance with 76 cases.
Falling temperatures and holiday gatherings, combined with many GPs and paediatricians being away for the festive period, have driven up A&E attendance, State Health Services Organisation spokesman Charalambos Charilaou told philenews.
Seasonal infections have increased attendance, Charilaou said, but the real surge typically comes after the holidays. This means vulnerable groups will likely see more admissions over the next 10 days.
The situation remains manageable so far, with numbers within expected seasonal ranges, he said.
Wards are running at 85%-90% capacity, Charilaou said. Admissions have risen due to infections but nothing unexpected has occurred. Surgical operations have been limited to emergency cases during this period, creating greater bed availability.
Hospitals and A&E departments are on standby and will provide necessary care to all patients who need it, he said.
Charilaou noted that this year has seen fewer cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) compared with last year at this time. Last year was particularly intense for RSV, which filled paediatric departments across hospitals.
Deputy Director General of the Health Ministry and Director of Medical Services Elisavet Constantinou reminded the public that on-duty clinics of the General Healthcare System operate during public holidays and weekends.
These clinics have extended their hours by two hours due to increased virus activity and now operate in all cities from 10am until 6pm, Constantinou said.
Citizens with symptoms of seasonal infections or other non-urgent conditions can visit these clinics to avoid congestion at A&E departments, she said.
The Health Ministry is working with the Health Insurance Organisation to evaluate clinic operating hours based on developing needs, Constantinou added. If further timetable adjustments are needed, they will be made as they were last year.
Fast-track clinics at A&E departments also serve non-urgent cases, she said.
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