The construction project at Makarios Children’s Hospital has sparked concerns among parents and healthcare workers about potential health risks to immunocompromised patients. The Cyprus Paediatric Society has warned of the high mortality rate associated with nosocomial infections during construction, prompting the need for stringent protective measures to be put in place.
What are the concerns surrounding the construction at Makarios Children’s Hospital?
Stakeholders, including parents and healthcare workers, are concerned that construction at Makarios Children’s Hospital may endanger immunocompromised patients by increasing the risk of nosocomial infections. The Cyprus Paediatric Society has highlighted the potential for a 90% mortality rate associated with these infections, raising the need for comprehensive protective measures during construction.
Rising Tensions Among Stakeholders
The serene environment of the Makarios children’s hospital has been disrupted by a wave of discontent, stemming from the upcoming construction works commissioned by the State Health Services (Okypy). This discontent has not only been expressed by the concerned parents of children in the oncology department but also by a collective of healthcare professionals, including the very paediatricians who care for these young patients. They stand united in their opposition to the project, which they feel has been pushed forward without an adequate briefing on the potential risks and precautions to be taken.
The backlash has grown as various groups, particularly those representing parents and medical staff at Makarios hospital, as well as the Cyprus Paediatric Society, have voiced their concerns. Okypy has come under fire for what many perceive as hasty decisions to proceed with contractual agreements with a construction company, without fully engaging with or informing stakeholders of the necessary health safeguarding measures.
Health Risks at the Forefront
The core of the discord lies in the fear for the hospital’s most vulnerable inhabitants, the immunocompromised children undergoing delicate treatments in the paediatric oncology clinic. The risk of nosocomial infections, such as the potentially deadly nosocomial aspergillosis, can increase significantly due to dust and contaminants often associated with construction activities. The Cyprus Paediatric Society has backed these concerns with scientific evidence, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the possible 90% mortality rate linked to such infections.
In response to the outcry, an interdisciplinary committee has been formed with the intention of establishing a comprehensive set of protective measures to be implemented throughout the construction period. Okypy has committed to waiting for the committee’s recommendations before any work begins. Charalambos Charilaou, the spokesperson for Okypy, has assured stakeholders that the health and safety of the hospital’s patients and staff are of utmost importance. Furthermore, the inclusion of stringent safety criteria in the tender documents for the construction company demonstrates Okypy’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment.
Unanswered Questions and the Need for Transparency
Despite these assurances, the Alkinoos Artemiou Foundation, which collaborates closely with the hospital, has expressed dissatisfaction with the level of transparency from Okypy. Artemis Artemiou, the foundation’s spokesperson, has emphasized the intricate nature of the work to be done, which encompasses the erection of a new three-storey building with an estimated project duration of 28 months. The foundation, along with other concerned parties, continues to seek specific information regarding the measures that will be implemented to protect the hospital’s young patients.
The situation has put a spotlight on the balance between necessary infrastructure development and the responsibility to ensure the safety of those who could be most affected by it. As the controversy unfolds, the involved parties are eagerly awaiting clear and comprehensive plans that will allay their fears and ensure that the health of the children at Makarios hospital is not compromised.
What are the concerns surrounding the construction at Makarios Children’s Hospital?
Stakeholders, including parents and healthcare workers, are concerned that construction at Makarios Children’s Hospital may endanger immunocompromised patients by increasing the risk of nosocomial infections. The Cyprus Paediatric Society has highlighted the potential for a 90% mortality rate associated with these infections, raising the need for comprehensive protective measures during construction.
What health risks are at the forefront of the dispute over the construction project?
The primary concern is the increased risk of nosocomial infections, such as nosocomial aspergillosis, due to dust and contaminants from construction activities. These infections could pose a significant threat to immunocompromised children undergoing treatment at the hospital. The Cyprus Paediatric Society has emphasized the severity of the situation, highlighting the potential mortality rate associated with such infections.
What steps are being taken to address the concerns raised by stakeholders?
An interdisciplinary committee has been formed to establish protective measures to be implemented during the construction period. Okypy has committed to waiting for the committee’s recommendations before beginning any work. The inclusion of stringent safety criteria in the tender documents for the construction company also demonstrates Okypy’s dedication to ensuring the safety of the hospital’s patients and staff.
What is the level of transparency regarding the construction project at Makarios Children’s Hospital?
The Alkinoos Artemiou Foundation, along with other concerned parties, has expressed dissatisfaction with the level of transparency from Okypy. Specific information regarding the protective measures to be implemented during the 28-month construction project, which includes the construction of a new three-storey building, is being sought. The foundation continues to push for clear and comprehensive plans to alleviate fears and ensure the safety of the children at the hospital.
