The family of a patient receiving treatment at a specialised medical centre abroad following a serious road traffic accident has raised concerns over a decision to return her to Cyprus, saying they have not been given clear information about how her treatment will continue.
The patient's sister, identified only as "Maria" for privacy reasons, told the Proini Epitheorisi programme on Politis Radio 107.6 and 97.6 that the family has yet to receive detailed information on where the patient will be transferred, under whose care she will be placed or what arrangements have been made for the next phase of her treatment in Cyprus.
Maria said her sister's transfer abroad had not been the family's choice but had taken place on the recommendation of doctors and after the necessary approvals were secured so that she could receive specialised treatment following the accident.
Treatment incomplete, notes family
According to Maria, the medical centre currently treating her sister recently requested an extension of her stay to allow treatment to be completed. The request was rejected by the competent organisation, she said, as was a subsequent appeal.
The family was subsequently informed that the patient could be returned to Cyprus, but Maria said there had been no meaningful communication regarding either the logistics of the transfer or the continuation of treatment.
"We do not know which centre there is an intention to transfer her to, nor whether that centre has been informed and accepted the patient, nor whether the doctors have spoken to one another," Maria said.
She said doctors at the specialised medical centre abroad, who have day-to-day responsibility for the patient's care, had requested additional time to complete her treatment.
"That is what we are asking as well, for the treatment to be completed," she said.
Concern about next steps for patient
During the interview, questions were repeatedly raised as to whether a specialised centre exists in Cyprus that could seamlessly continue the patient's treatment. According to Maria, the family has not so far received such information.
The matter has also taken a legal route, although Maria said legal proceedings take time while the patient's condition and treatment cannot wait.
She also criticised the way the process was being handled, saying: "Procedures must be adapted to the needs of the patient and not the patient's treatment to the needs of the procedure."
The family is calling for assurances that appropriate and uninterrupted treatment will be available before any return to Cyprus takes place. It is also seeking clear information on where the patient will be transferred, which doctors will assume responsibility for her care and greater communication from the authorities involved.
