The Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) is updating the framework governing cases where patients are transferred from one hospital to another, in the wake of a recent incident that came to public attention. The update follows a complaint by Disy MP George Pamborides, who alleged that a patient with post-operative complications was turned away by a private hospital, prompting a public exchange between the hospitals involved and an intervention by the Patient Advocate, Marios Charalambides, calling for an end to the dispute.
The HIO made clear that "the hardship of any patient in trying to receive the healthcare they need is not acceptable," while confirming that in the specific incident it had taken the necessary steps and intervened to ensure the patient was seen and received the care required.
The organisation said that timely, high-quality and uninterrupted access for beneficiaries to GESY services is a core priority, and that it monitors the operation of contracted hospitals and intervenes where it deems necessary.
New framework for transfers
The HIO said the issue is now a priority and that it is in the process of updating a framework that will provide clearer and more detailed guidance to hospitals.
The updated framework will cover cases where a hospital determines it is unable to take on or manage a case, as well as cases where, after treatment has begun, a patient's transfer or continuation of care at another hospital becomes necessary. It also envisages clearer procedures for communication, coordination and referral between hospitals, to ensure continuity of care. The update will be carried out in cooperation with contracted hospitals and other relevant bodies, the HIO said.
Letter sent to all hospitals
At the same time, the HIO sent a letter on Thursday to all contracted hospitals, reminding them of their obligations under their contracts with the organisation, GESY legislation and other applicable laws governing in-patient care and hospital operations. It also called on hospitals to exercise due diligence and to cooperate with one another, with the best interests of beneficiaries as their guiding principle.
27,000 hospital admissions a month
According to data published by the HIO, an average of 27,000 hospital admissions take place each month at hospitals contracted under GESY. Cases in which patients are admitted following a transfer from another hospital account for 1.4% of the monthly total.
The HIO said that in the vast majority of cases, treatment and care for beneficiaries is completed smoothly, noting that problems of this kind are not the norm. It stressed, however, that these figures do not diminish the seriousness of any individual incident.
The organisation said it continues to examine every incident, strengthen its checks and procedures, and work with the bodies involved, with the aim of ensuring every patient receives the healthcare they need promptly and without obstacles.
