Appeals court upholds dismissal of nurse over sterilization failure

On May 29, 2026, the Appeals Court of Cyprus upheld a lower court decision regarding the dismissal of a nurse employed at a Nicosia hospital. The case originated from an October 2014 incident where the nurse admitted to failing to sterilize surgical instruments, which she attributed to oversight. Following her termination, the nurse challenged the decision at the Labor Disputes Court, claiming unfair dismissal and a violation of her right to be heard. Both the lower court and the Appeals Court rejected her claims, determining that the employer's actions were reasonable and justified given the potential risk to patient safety. The Appeals Court explicitly stated that the nurse had been given sufficient opportunity to defend herself before the termination occurred. Consequently, the court found no violation of the right to be heard and dismissed the appeal. The ruling affirms that the employer acted within the scope of reasonable professional conduct.