Care home staff on strike in contagion fear

FIFTY employees at a state-run old people’s home in Limassol yesterday went on strike, demanding the removal of a 74-year-old man suffering from staphylococcus.

Workers at the Ayios Panteleimon home said they would remain on strike until the old man was removed.

Caretaker Despo Pilavaki said staff were not trained to know how to protect themselves or even provide the necessary care to the man.

One of her colleagues said she was worried about carrying the contagion home and infecting her family.

The man contracted the disease while at the Ayios Panteleimonas home.
He was treated in hospital for a few days and then returned to the home.
A union representative said there were 50 caretakers and 65 residents who were exposed to the infectious disease without any means to protect them.
Yesterday, there were scuffles when temporary nurses were brought in to take care of the residents.

Police stepped in to break things up. One nurse was reportedly assaulted.
Social Welfare Department Director Evanthia Papasavva said there was no danger for the workers, adding that the old man had been diagnosed as being clear of the disease.

Papasavva warned that all necessary measures would be taken if the strike continued.

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