Newsroom
Parents of children receiving treatment at the Paediatric Oncology Clinic of Archbishop Makarios III Hospital have renewed complaints about ongoing construction noise, saying patients are still being exposed to drilling sounds despite promises that the disruption would be short-lived.
Speaking on Alpha television, Elena Panayiotou, whose child is undergoing treatment at the clinic, said building works near the ward have been affecting patients since January. According to her, families were told during a meeting in February that the noisy phase of the project would last only 10 days.
The meeting, held at the hospital on 20 February, included Health Minister Michael Damianos, representatives of the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY), doctors from the ward and officials from the company carrying out the works. The discussions followed an earlier meeting between parents and President Nikos Christodoulides.
Nearly four months later, Panayiotou said the disturbance has not ended. Footage broadcast by Alpha reportedly showed drilling noise recorded in the ward in February and another recording from June, with parents saying the conditions remain largely unchanged.
While acknowledging that the construction project must be completed, parents are calling for better communication and consideration for patients. Panayiotou suggested that workers contact ward staff before beginning particularly noisy tasks so they can determine whether children recovering from surgery or other vulnerable patients are present.
She said some of the children affected have recently undergone operations, while others are facing serious medical challenges, making the constant noise especially difficult. Parents have expressed frustration that they continue to raise the issue publicly months after receiving assurances that the disruption would be temporary.
Families are now appealing to authorities to intervene and ensure that the needs of young patients are taken into account while the construction project continues.
