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.
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