GESY … the good, the bad and the ugly

 Before I post this, I should say that I have the highest regard for the health treatment we have received in Cyprus. Twice in the last year the treatment I have received has probably saved my life. The paramedics have been brilliant. I had a hypoglycaemic incident and my blood glucose was so low the paramedics judged I was minutes from death. Polis Hospital saved the day. In January this year I had a “significant cardiac event” at three o’clock in the morning. The ambulance arrived very quickly, I was taken to Polis where the decision was made to send me to Paphos General. Admitted overnight the cardiac team there decided I needed investigation at Limassol Mediterranean Hospital. Transport by ambulance and into an operating theatre within the hour. The surgeon told me I needed a stent fitted, which I agreed to. Overnight stay there and back to Paphos, for drips to bring my potassium levels back. Fabulous, life-saving treatment for which we shall be forever grateful.

Has GESY changed without me realising it? Over the last couple of years I have needed to attend Polis Hospital Emergency Department. My skin is very thin and tears easily. The tears require medical attention as they are too serious to deal with at home.

Last year I fell and had bad, deep tears on both arms. The treatment at Polis Hospital was excellent and I had to attend every two days for three weeks for the wounds to be cleaned and redressed. I had paid an initial €10 to register and that was that.

On Saturday I had an accident at home and the tear on my hand required medical attention as it was bleeding copiously. My wife took me to Polis Hospital and registered me. Two nurses came over, sat me down and very gently cleaned the wound.

And then the rudest, most obnoxious doctor I have ever met came into the treatment room. He immediately told me I should have not come to the hospital to have a wound treated but I should have gone to see my personal doctor. I explained that my personal doctor did not operate a 24/7 service. At that, he said I should have photographed the wound and sent it to her. She could then have seen whether it was infected. WHAT!

My wife appeared. I was still bleeding and probably in shock. She quite rightly told the doctor to talk to her and not to me. He rudely talked over her and then declared we should change personal doctors. The nurses did not know where to look.

The wound was dressed and I was told to return on Monday for it to be cleaned and redressed. The whole situation was distressing. Duty of care to patients from a doctor. I don’t think so.

And then on Monday, when I returned, I was told at registration that I would have to pay again and on each occasion. My personal doctor was then telephoned and I was told to visit their surgery for treatment. I did so and she could not believe what had happened. And neither could we.

Is the Emergency Department not there for accidents? Unbelievable.

GESY … the reality

 A few weeks ago I had a “significant cardiac event” at home in the early hours of the morning. My wife called an ambulance, which arrived very quickly. The superb paramedics took me first to Polis Hospital, where I was carefully assessed and sent on to Paphos Hospital, to the Emergency Department.

After blood tests, ECG, X-RAY, I was seen by a cardiologist and placed on a ward - where I was wired up to all sorts of machines and drips. Frightened by all of this, I can only say I was looked after professionally and sympathetically. The “Cardiac Team” arrived early next morning and I was told I would be sent to Limassol for tests and possible surgery. My wife, terrified out of her wits, arrived (having hired a driver) with mobile phones, chargers and iPads. The effect was transformative.

The next day, at short notice, I was taken to the Mediterranean Hospital in Limassol, where they proceeded to investigate the problem. Midway through the procedure, the cardiologist (in an operating theatre filled with other cardiologists and nurses and other staff) told me I needed a stent fitted to unblock one of the arteries (from a triple bypass in 2008) that was the problem. Uncomfortable and frightening, I agreed. It took some time. But the team were very professional and caring.

An uneasy night there (where they took yet more blood but managed to lose it en route to the lab) and I was told I could leave. As it had been agreed I would be transferred to Paphos Hospital, this was a concern. I threatened them with my lawyer (Who?) and an ambulance was provided.

On returning to Paphos, the cardiac team decided I would stay for another night (it turned out to be two) because of low potassium. My wife was at her wit’s end (transport from Paphos Hospital) but, in the end, all was well.

We had the “indicative cost” from GESY for the operation (nearly €5000) plus all the other costs involved. All covered by GESY. So the next time you moan about the health service in Cyprus, consider how we lucky we are.