Union fears lower language standards risk patient health

The Union of Public Employees - PASYDY is worried about plans to make it easier for nurses and midwives to get licensed to work in Cyprus.

PASYDY says there are efforts to lower the Greek language skills needed for nurses who don't speak Greek as their first language.

According to PASYDY, the Cyprus Nursing and Midwifery Council is in charge of setting the minimum Greek language requirements for these jobs.

Last October, the Council partnered with the University of Cyprus’s School of Greek Language to decide how much Greek nurses need to know. This was done to make sure patients in Cyprus get safe and high-quality care.

"We can’t let patient safety and health care quality be sacrificed for money," PASYDY said. "Patients should always come first."

PASYDY has called a meeting with nursing and midwifery leaders on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in Nicosia to talk about this important issue. They also plan to meet with the Cyprus Federation of Patients' Associations to hear the concerns of patients.