Hospital management of an autistic child following a traffic accident under investigation

On Saturday, May 2, a traffic accident occurred between Geri and the Leroy Merlin roundabout involving two women and two children aged 2.5 and 7. The children and adults were transported to Nicosia General Hospital for medical evaluation. A complaint was filed alleging that hospital staff lacked the training to handle the 7-year-old child, who is non-verbal and on the autism spectrum. The complainant stated that the child suffered distress during a 6-7 hour wait and that delays occurred in obtaining necessary medical imaging. OKYPY, the State Health Services Organization, responded that medical protocols were strictly followed and that the child’s life was never in danger. The organization explained that the delay in performing a CT scan was due to anesthesiologists being occupied with an emergency surgery. Following initial examinations, both children were transferred to Makarios Hospital for a 48-hour observation period. OKYPY maintains that staff are trained and qualified to handle pediatric cases, including those involving children with autism.