**Title: Larnaca Hospital Nurses Stage Walkout Over Burnout and Overcrowding Issues**
**Date: September 16, 2026**
Nursing staff at Larnaca General Hospital initiated an unannounced work stoppage on Wednesday, expressing serious concerns over overcrowding, extended patient wait times in the emergency department, and the burden of excessive overtime. The protest highlights the deteriorating working conditions and the urgent need for systemic changes within the healthcare facility.
The Pancyprian Public Employees Trade Union (PASYDY) and its Nursing Staff Branch reported that the situation at the hospital has reached a critical point. Nurses have been facing an influx of patients, leading to lengthy waits for emergency care. The union indicated that patients have been left waiting for hours until a bed becomes available, exacerbating the stress on both staff and patients alike.
In response to the growing demand, the hospital management has taken steps to address the issue by opening five additional beds, which are currently staffed on an overtime basis. However, the union argues that these measures are insufficient and merely serve as temporary fixes rather than addressing the root causes of the overcrowding crisis.
PASYDY and the Nursing Staff Branch emphasized that the continued pressure on nursing staff has led to professional burnout. Nurses are frequently required to work overtime to meet the increased demand for care, which is adversely affecting their physical and mental well-being. The union has raised alarms about the implications this has not only for the health of the nurses but also for patient safety.
The union representatives called upon the State Health Services Organisation (SHSO) to implement substantial and lasting solutions to the ongoing challenges faced by Larnaca General Hospital. They criticized the reliance on temporary interventions that do not resolve the underlying issues, urging management to take decisive action to improve the working environment for healthcare professionals and the quality of care for patients.
The walkout at Larnaca General Hospital reflects broader concerns within the healthcare system in Cyprus, where a recent study has confirmed a nursing shortage that is expected to persist. The current situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to ensure that healthcare workers are adequately supported and that patients receive timely and effective care.
As the situation develops, the healthcare community and the public will be watching closely to see how SHSO responds to the nurses' demands and whether meaningful changes will be enacted to address the chronic issues plaguing Larnaca General Hospital.