autistic child — Okypy has confirmed that public hospitals adhered to the required medical protocols in the case of an autistic child whose family filed a complaint regarding the handling of an incident at state hospitals.
- Okypy clarified that sedation is reserved for cases where initial methods do not yield the desired results, as the use of sedatives carries potential serious side effects.
- Okypy revealed that the ward has only one two-bedroom facility, which is allocated for children receiving day care, while the majority of rooms accommodate three or four patients.
- Concerning blood tests and parental presence during medical procedures, Okypy reiterated that the same principles apply as previously mentioned.
- The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare and effective treatment to all patients, ensuring that proper protocols are in place for every situation.
Autistic child: Accredited Hospitals Ensure Protocol Compliance
The State Health Services Organisation, known as Okypy, stated that both Nicosia General Hospital and Makarios Hospital are accredited facilities that implement the necessary protocols for all medical conditions, including autism.
According to the organisation, the paediatric accident and emergency department at Nicosia General Hospital is exclusively staffed by paediatricians and experienced nursing personnel trained to handle such situations effectively.
Strict Adherence to Medical Protocols
In this particular case, Okypy emphasised that medical protocols were followed meticulously. Based on the child’s clinical condition, alongside laboratory and imaging tests, it was determined that the child’s life was not in immediate danger.
Okypy noted that the presence of parents or relatives during examinations is both recommended and encouraged. This practice aims to foster a safe and friendly atmosphere for the child, and is applied consistently across all cases.
Challenges with Unfamiliar Environments
However, Okypy pointed out that the presence of multiple unfamiliar individuals can heighten a child’s anxiety, potentially leading to irritability and counterproductive outcomes. This concern has been echoed by parents in the past and was a topic of discussion within the House of Representatives, resulting in the drafting of a specific procedure.
Initial Steps in Child Examination
When a child is uncooperative during examinations, the established protocol recommends administering special medication nasally with a device as a first step. This approach aims to calm the child and facilitate necessary examinations. In this instance, the protocol was applied accordingly.
Okypy clarified that sedation is reserved for cases where initial methods do not yield the desired results, as the use of sedatives carries potential serious side effects.
Delay in CT Scan Explained
Regarding the delay in performing a CT scan, Okypy explained that anaesthetists were occupied with an emergency surgery at the time. It was added that, considering the child’s clinical condition and test outcomes, there was no immediate threat to life that necessitated urgent scanning.
Monitoring in Paediatric Surgery Ward
Given that the incident stemmed from a road accident, Okypy deemed it appropriate for the child to be admitted to the paediatric surgery ward at Makarios Hospital for ongoing observation. Reports indicate that the child is currently housed in a three-bed room, initially sharing with a sibling but now alone.
Okypy revealed that the ward has only one two-bedroom facility, which is allocated for children receiving day care, while the majority of rooms accommodate three or four patients.
Blood Tests and Parental Presence
Concerning blood tests and parental presence during medical procedures, Okypy reiterated that the same principles apply as previously mentioned.
Commitment to Quality Healthcare
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare and effective treatment to all patients, ensuring that proper protocols are in place for every situation.
