Filenews 13 January 2022
The occupancy of Famagusta General Hospital, which operates as a reference hospital, reached 96% today, according to Amalia Hatzigianni, Scientific Director of the Larnaca – Famagusta Hospitals, adding that 81% of the hospitalized patients have not been vaccinated.
She added that "today 67 patients are being treated at Famagusta General Hospital, of which 13 are being treated in the Increased Care Unit (HWT) since they need closer monitoring. The occupancy of the Hospital reached 96%, the average age of people hospitalized is 63 years, while the youngest patient is 31 years old and the oldest is 93 and both without a history of vaccination."
She noted that "81% of the patients hospitalized at the Reference Hospital are not vaccinated. While during the previous days there were almost double the admissions of patients against discharges, however yesterday Wednesday, January 12, there was a balance, after 8 admissions were made and 7 discharges were given."
According to Ms. Hatzigianni, "35 Covid-19 patients are currently being treated at Larnaka General Hospital, of which 5 are in MAF conditions. The Eden Rehabilitation Center is hosting 127 people who test positive for the coronavirus, who after ten days, based on the protocol, will be released, while 25 patients are hospitalized in the Post Covid ward."
She also mentioned that "the Post Covid ward that was recently opened at the Rehabilitation Center, supported several patients, who were discharged from the Hospitals, but are continuing their recovery with medication, respiratory physiotherapy and kinesiotherapy."
When asked whether there is a shortage of staff at the Reference Hospital due to the Omikron mutation that seems to prevail in the community lately, she replied that "unfortunately there are cases within the staff as well, resulting in more than 20 people from all groups being absent from work. However, the hospital's staff shows camaraderie and particular zeal and work overtime in order to fill the gap that exists from the lack of colleagues so as not to disturb the operation of the public hospital.
To another question she replied that "the sudden increase in patient admission to the Hospital did not cause concern, but we were prepared for any eventuality and the situation is manageable thanks to the methodical and teamwork of the staff".
As far as vaccinations are concerned, Mrs. Hatzigiannis said that "they are running at a fast pace and the Vaccination Centres in the free province of Famagusta are working feverishly to serve the people who wish to receive the 1st, 2nd and 3rd doses of the vaccine. The results for vaccinations of children over the age of five are also satisfactory."
People, she continued, "come by the dozens to the Vaccination Centres, which is good, but at the same time offers special relief to the doctors and nursing staff of the Hospitals. According to studies, vaccines are effective and protect, since they reduce the likelihood of serious illness and deaths."
She also said that "the Omikron mutation may be very contagious and affect both those vaccinated and those who are not, but it is comforting that in the vaccinated group of patients the symptoms are mild and the need for hospitalization is extremely low.
CNA
