infection

They risk the lives of children with cancer when doctors warn of the danger!

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They risk the lives of children with cancer when doctors warn of the danger!

Parents of children with haematological and oncological conditions are concerned about the construction works planned at Makareio Hospital. They argue that building near clinics treating immunocompromised patients can be extremely dangerous. The Cyprus Pediatric Society warns of the risks, specifically mentioning the potential increase in hospital fungal infections, such as aspergillosis. Despite opposition from parents and medical professionals, the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) has suggested relocating the Pediatric Oncology Clinic temporarily to another part of the hospital, which is not seen as a suitable solution. The decision to upgrade Makareio Hospital instead of building a new, modern hospital has been made without consulting those directly involved, raising concerns about the safety and health of the children undergoing treatment. The focus should be on prioritizing the health and well-being of these vulnerable patients.

Huge row over construction works at children, ’s hospital

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Huge row over construction works at children, ’s hospital

Tensions have arisen over planned construction works at Makarios children’s hospital, with concerns raised by parents, doctors, and the Cyprus Paediatric Society about potential negative health consequences for patients, especially immunocompromised children in the oncology clinic. The State Health Services (Okypy) has faced criticism for not adequately informing stakeholders about measures to prevent such consequences, but has stated that decisions made by an interdisciplinary committee will ensure the safety of patients and staff during construction.

Paediatricians oppose construction plans at Makario Hospital

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Paediatricians oppose construction plans at Makario Hospital

Cypriot paediatricians and parents of children with haematological conditions are opposing construction projects at Makario Hospital due to concerns about increased infection risks for immunocompromised patients. The Cyprus Paediatric Society highlighted the documented risks associated with construction near clinics treating vulnerable patients, including a rise in hospital-acquired fungal infections such as aspergillosis. The Society called the lack of preventive measures “unacceptable” and urged authorities to address the issue with sensitivity. They emphasized the need for a new, modern mother-and-child hospital to address long-standing problems faced by public healthcare facilities.

Campaign launched to raise awareness on hepatitis and HIV

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Campaign launched to raise awareness on hepatitis and HIV

A campaign has been launched to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and HIV in Cyprus, coinciding with ‘World Hepatitis Day’. The Health Minister emphasized the importance of equal access to quality health services for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Viral hepatitis is the second leading infectious cause of death worldwide, with deaths increasing to 1.3 million globally in 2022. The World Health Organization aims for comprehensive screening for viral hepatitis by 2030. An initiative called ‘KYFA Checkpoint’ was presented at the press conference, offering free tests for interested individuals.

UK’s infected blood scandal could and should have been avoided, inquiry finds

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UK’s infected blood scandal could and should have been avoided, inquiry finds

An infected blood scandal in Britain led to 3,000 deaths and thousands more contracting hepatitis or HIV due to doctors and governments fault. Over 30,000 people received infected blood in the 1970s and 1980s, destroying lives, with some blood products being made from high-risk donations. The government hid the truth to save face. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to apologize on behalf of the state. The scandal rocked trust in the medical establishment. The infected blood products were used for transfusions and treatments, with some haemophiliacs receiving Factor 8 concentrates with a high risk of infection. Between 80 and 100 people became infected with HIV by transfusion, and about 26,800 were infected with Hepatitis C. The British inquiry found systemic failures and lack of meaningful apology or redress. The inquiry does not have the power to recommend prosecutions. Former health minister Edmond Herve in France was convicted for his role in the scandal.

New platform in the works to monitor hospital infections

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New platform in the works to monitor hospital infections

The government plans to launch an electronic platform to monitor healthcare-associated infections. The current methods of monitoring infections in Cyprus are not thorough enough, and the new platform will help hospitals carry out surveillance electronically so the data can be monitored by the health ministry. Cyprus has the highest rate of healthcare-associated infections in the EU and EEA, as well as the highest rate of antimicrobial use.

UK residents told to boil their water after parasite detection

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UK residents told to boil their water after parasite detection

Residents in Alston and Hillhead areas of Brixham, Devon have been advised to boil their drinking water due to the detection of cryptosporidium parasite, causing diarrhoeal illness. South West Water is working with UKHSA to identify the contamination source and establish bottled water stations. Cryptosporidiosis can be serious for those with weak immune systems and is contracted from contaminated water sources or human and animal contact. Health officials urge affected residents to follow the advisory, seek medical help for severe symptoms, and avoid close contact with others.

Training, tech, and transformation: Long-term steps to address the healthcare shortage

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Training, tech, and transformation: Long-term steps to address the healthcare shortage

Fact: The World Health Organization (WHO) projects a 10 million shortfall of healthcare workers by 2030 globally.

Cyprus has highest rate of hospital infections in EU

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Cyprus has highest rate of hospital infections in EU

Cyprus has the highest rate of healthcare-associated infections in the European Union, with 13.8% of patients contracting an infection while receiving healthcare. Additionally, Cyprus also has the highest rate of antimicrobial use in the EU and EEA, with 56.5% of hospital patients being prescribed antimicrobial medication.

EU health commissioner urges end to HIV stigma

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EU health commissioner urges end to HIV stigma

Fact: European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides emphasized the need to break the stigma associated with HIV-positive individuals and their families across the EU during a visit to the Gregorios Pulmonology Clinic in Larnaca.