Hospital to start moving at end of month

HEALTH Minister Andreas Gavrielides yesterday confirmed the process to start moving Nicosia’s general hospital to its new premises in Latsia would begin at the end of the month.

Gavrielides said the move to the new Nicosia general hospital would begin on February 28.

“The move will start on the 28th. It will take about 10, 15, 20 days. I can’t predict how long. But based on the schedule, the date won’t change and it will be at the end of February,” he said.

Gavrielides was speaking to reporters at a news conference to mark today’s World Cancer Day.

The hospital has been a sore point for both the Health and Communication and Works Ministries after its opening date was repeatedly delayed due to project mismanagement. The delays led to the appointment of an investigative committee, which recently handed over its findings to the Attorney-general, who will assess whether specific individuals can be held accountable.

But the Minister said despite the planning problems involved in building the new hospital, “I am sure it will be the gem of Cyprus’ medical profession”.

He also said that despite the recent bad weather in Greece, which had resulted in further delays in the arrival of certain equipment, the transfer of departments would go ahead at the end of the month.

The operation of the new hospital would take place in stages, while the process of moving the various departments to the new premises would start with the installation of the radiology department on Monday, said Gavrielides.

Following the installation of the radiology equipment, the haemodialysis system would be transferred, as would the dentistry department. Once those departments were moved, the clinics would follow, he added.

Regarding problems with the water’s cleanliness, the Health Minister said a water purifying machine had already been received and that in about six days the water would be completely clean.

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