Larnaca General Hospital addresses chronic emergency department delays

The management of Larnaca General Hospital is attempting to resolve persistent issues regarding long patient waiting times at the hospital's Accident and Emergency Department (TAEP). Although the first phase of the department's renovation was completed a year ago, patients continue to express dissatisfaction with service delays. The hospital’s new director, Stalo Charalambous, announced that the second phase of the renovation, which has faced significant multi-month delays, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

Once finished, the expansion is expected to nearly double the size of the department, increasing the number of examination rooms from six to ten. To further alleviate pressure, hospital management is negotiating with nursing unions to reorganize staff and free up additional beds. Furthermore, authorities are exploring a collaboration with the Larnaca municipality to utilize beds at a new municipal care home. Beyond medical services, the hospital is addressing a severe parking shortage; discussions are currently underway with the Metropolis of Kition to rent a plot of land for staff parking, which would free up existing spaces for patients.

These initiatives are part of a broader effort to improve hospital functionality, as discussed during the 'Larnaka Talks' public dialogue event moderated by Michalis Kalopedis. The administration's focus remains on completing the facility upgrades and securing external agreements to manage current hospital capacity challenges effectively.