Staffing crisis at Cengiz Topel Hospital: union demands urgent action

Cengiz Topel Hospital in the Lefke district is experiencing a staffing crisis due to a shortage of personnel. According to the Turkish Cypriot Doctors’ Union (Kıbrıs Türk Hekimler Sendikası), the lack of staff responsible for patient transport is particularly acute, and it has already begun negatively impacting the hospital’s operations.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that a significant portion of the staff work on temporary contracts and only during daytime shifts, while the hospital operates 24/7. Additionally, the position of chief physician remains vacant, and attempts by management to implement a full shift system have been blocked by the Ministry of Health.

Union representatives state that due to the staffing shortage, the workload on doctors and medical personnel has increased significantly, creating risks for the quality of care and patient safety. Medical staff claim that the ministry has long ignored the issue despite numerous appeals.

The union warned that if the situation does not improve soon, they will consider a strike and other lawful measures to protect the rights of employees and patients.