A new state-of-the-art haemodialysis unit was inaugurated in Paphos on Friday 11 October.
The ceremony was attended by the President of Cyprus, Nicos Christodoulides, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
In his welcoming speech, President Christodoulides praised the role of the EU in projects that shape the lives of Cypriot citizens. He noted that the establishment of the new haemodialysis unit was made possible thanks to Cyprus' Recovery and Resilience Plan and national funding. According to the President, this project will contribute to improving the quality of life of hundreds of citizens. Christodoulidis also said that the presence of Ursula von der Leyen at the event was proof that the EU is an organisation that is strengthened by the unity of its member states.
For her part, Ursula von der Leyen said that thanks to the opening of the new haemodialysis unit in Paphos, hundreds of people will have access to medical care. She expressed her satisfaction with the fact that the EU's Next Generation funding programme is making this possible.
Indeed, Next Generation EU is an ambitious funding programme for EU Member States. It is supporting reform and investment across Europe like never before," she said.
The new spacious building is located to the east of the existing Paphos Hospital. It houses a modern functional dialysis unit. The building has two storeys. The ground floor houses the patient reception and registration area, examination rooms, 27 haemodialysis stations, staff offices, changing rooms and utility rooms. The first floor contains a staff room and other rooms. The building also has a haemodialysis room with a separate entrance for people with HIV and infectious diseases. There is also a lactation room, a peritoneal dialysis room and a small operating theatre.
The total area of the building is 2.1 thousand m2.
It should be noted that the main focus of the design of the new department was to provide patients with high quality care in a modern and well-researched environment. The architects also took into account the needs of people with disabilities. The project cost 5 million euros.
The project was coordinated by the Department of Public Works and supervised by officials from the Department of Public Works, the Department of Electromechanical Services and the Audit Department of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works. Under the terms of the contract, A. Panayides Contracting Ltd, which carried out the construction and finishing work, will be responsible for maintaining the building for 12 years.
