Amalia Hatzigianni, Scientific Director of Larnaca-Famagusta Hospitals, told KYPE that the occupancy of the General Hospital of Famagusta, which operates as a Reference Hospital, reached 96% today, adding that 81% of the patients have not been vaccinated.
He added that "today 67 patients are being treated at the General Hospital of Famagusta, 13 of which are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as they need closer monitoring. The fullness of the Hospital has reached 96%, the average age of the people being treated is 63 years, while the youngest patient is 31 years old and the oldest 93 both without a history of vaccination ".
He noted that "a percentage of 81% of patients admitted to the Referral Hospital, is not vaccinated. "While during the previous days there were almost double admissions of patients from discharges, however, yesterday, Wednesday, January 12, there was a balance, after 8 admissions were made and 7 discharges were given".
According to Ms. Hatzigianni, "35 patients are currently being treated at the Larnaca General Hospital Covid-19, of which 5 in MAF conditions. The Eden Rehabilitation Center hosts 127 people who are positive for the coronavirus, who after ten days, according to the protocol, will be released, while 25 patients are being treated in the Post Covid ward ".
He also said that "the Post Covid ward that recently opened at the Rehabilitation Center has supported several patients who have been discharged from hospitals but are continuing their treatment with medication, respiratory physiotherapy and kinesiotherapy."
Asked if there is a shortage of staff at the Referral Hospital due to the Omicron mutation that seems to be prevalent in the community lately, he replied that "unfortunately there are cases within the staff with the result that more than 20 people from all groups are absent from work. . However, the staff of the Hospital shows camaraderie and special zeal and works overtime, in order to fill the gap that exists due to the lack of colleagues and not to disturb the balance of the public hospital ".
To another question he answered that "the sharp increase in the admission of patients to the Hospital did not cause concern, but we were prepared for any eventuality and the situation is manageable thanks to the method and teamwork of the staff".
Regarding vaccinations, Ms. Hatzigianni said that "they are running very fast and the Vaccination Centers in the free province of Famagusta are working feverishly to serve the people who want to receive the 1st, 2nd and 3rd dose of the vaccine. The results for the vaccinations of children over five years old are also satisfactory ".
The people, he continued, "come in dozens to the Vaccination Centers, a fact that is pleasant but at the same time offers special relief to the doctors and the nursing staff of the Hospitals. "According to studies, vaccines are effective and protect, as they reduce the possibility of serious illness and death."
He added: "Omicron mutation can be very contagious and affects as many vaccinated people as there are infected people, but it is comforting that in this group of patients the symptoms are mild and the need for hospitalization is extremely low.