Nurse Shortage in Cyprus: Concerns over Working Conditions

Significant shortages of nursing staff are being recorded in both the public and private healthcare sectors in Cyprus. The Pancyprian Nurses Union (PA.SY.NO.) warns of potential impacts on the quality of services provided and the increased pressure on nurses.

Theodoros Petelis, representative of PA.SY.NO., told SigmaLive that understaffing is now a structural problem, hindering the smooth operation of hospitals and the expansion of services, especially in the private sector. According to Mr. Petelis, private clinics cannot develop more beds due to a lack of nursing staff, as attractive remuneration packages are not offered.

In the public sector, meetings between the unions and OKYPY confirmed the need for at least 33 additional nurses on a nationwide basis. In addition, approximately 135 nurses are absent due to long-term sick and maternity leave, exacerbating the problem.

OKYPY has pledged to take measures to address the shortages, including hiring healthcare assistants to relieve the workload of nurses. However, Mr. Petelis stressed that many nursing graduates choose to work in the private sector or at home, due to better working conditions and competitive remuneration packages.

"If there are no competitive packages and better working conditions, the understaffing crisis will continue to deepen," warned Mr. Petelis.