I meant no disrespect to new nurses

Sir,
Following the article written on April 14 in the Cyprus Mail regarding the situation at the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre and the mass exit of experienced Nursing Staff choosing to work in the Public Sector, I would like to apologise publicly for a remark I made during my interview. I meant no disrespect to the newly-qualified nursing staff who have recently joined the ranks at the Centre by indicating that they only knew where the toilets were. The inference was that although they may be qualified nurses, they are all inexperienced in Oncology.

Oncology is a very specialised area and they will require intensive training both academically and with clinical practice and supervision. This training has already been started with in-house lectures and clinical guidance. Credit must be given to them all as they are already demonstrating their professional capabilities and desire to learn and show a clear understanding of the need for safe practice in a difficult working environment. At the end of the day, the patients of the Centre deserve and expect the best possible care, and we, as a service, continually strive to be a Centre of Excellence.

Thank you
Amanda Eliades
Nurse Manager, Out Patient Services, Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre, Nicosia

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.