Renovated Emergency Department Opens in Nicosia

The renovation and expansion of the emergency department at Nicosia General Hospital has been completed. The project cost €4.1 million. As part of the upgrade, the hospital created separate examination rooms, dedicated spaces for patients with infectious diseases, and more comfortable work areas for medical staff.

What Has Changed

The renovated Accident and Emergency Department at Nicosia General Hospital officially opened on October 19. The reconstruction took about a year and a half. The updated department now includes:

1. A larger waiting area and an upgraded patient registration desk.
2. Separate examination rooms that provide greater privacy for patients.
3. A negative-pressure room for patients with serious infectious diseases.
4. A dedicated room for patients displaying agitated or aggressive behavior.
5. Improved work areas and a staff break room for medical personnel.
6. A separate room where doctors can speak with patients’ relatives and provide updates on their condition.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, who attended the opening, said the investment is intended to improve both patient care and working conditions for medical staff.

Will Waiting Times in the Emergency Department Be Reduced?

According to department director Savvas Savva, waiting times cannot be completely eliminated in an emergency service because priority is always given to patients in the most serious condition. To speed up care, the hospital operates a fast-track unit that can treat 25–30 patients within a relatively short period. However, waiting times can increase when inpatient wards are full and patients awaiting admission remain in the emergency department.

Savva said the department is currently staffed at a satisfactory level. The next priority is to improve organization and speed up the transfer of patients between hospital departments. The emergency department works closely with the trauma center, pediatric emergency services, and the short-stay unit, where patients can undergo additional examinations and complete treatment under medical supervision.

Which Other Hospitals in Cyprus Are Being Modernized?

The renovation of the Nicosia emergency department is part of a broader government program to modernize healthcare facilities. Under this plan:

1. In Nicosia, the expansion of the hospital’s fourth floor has been completed. It houses the neurology clinic and stroke unit. The next project is the creation of an infectious diseases department.
2. At Makarios Hospital, a new pediatric emergency department is being built, while the gynecology and pediatric surgery departments and pediatric wards are being renovated. Preparations are also underway for facilities for the Thalassemia Center and the neonatal intensive care unit. A pediatric oncology clinic is also planned.
3. In Limassol, the creation and expansion of hemodialysis units has been completed. Work continues on a new high-dependency unit. Plans also include an infectious diseases department, a day-care unit, and modernization of the emergency department.
4. In Larnaca, the radiology department is being renovated.
5. In Paphos, renovation work is nearing completion. The second floor of the new building is expected to house an oncology department and facilities for patients with thalassemia.
6. Other planned projects include construction of a new €17 million hospital in Polis Chrysochous, modernization of Troodos Hospital, further mental health projects, and upgrades to Famagusta General Hospital.

The President of Cyprus also said the government is considering new co-financing programs totaling more than €3.5 billion. Decisions are expected to be made in September 2027.

Healthcare remains one of the government’s main priorities. According to Christodoulides, public investment should improve treatment conditions and help medical professionals provide care more effectively.