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.
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