A clear message, as he said, to the citizens who “entrusted us with the responsibility to provide effective solutions without delays” was sent by the Minister of Health, Michalis Chrysochoidis, who has been in Heraklion since the morning, making contacts focusing on the problems identified at the Venizelio Hospital.

“I take full responsibility as the responsible minister, first of all apologizing to the citizens of Heraklion for the great inconvenience they suffered with the postponements of the surgeries,” Mr. Chrysochoidis said during a press conference, adding that “this situation is not acceptable from the government and the prime minister” and that “we have the will and the knowledge to deal with the problems, we have the will and the knowledge to improve the services of the NHS, to support the medical, nursing and other staff who do the his job so that they solve citizens’ health issues with dignity”.

“The Anesthesiology Department will be immediately reinforced with medical staff”

The minister announced that the Anesthesiology Department of the hospital will be immediately reinforced with medical personnel from the private sector and for a quarter he will strengthen the operations of the operating theaters, with the aim of not operating daily with less than four operating tables.

“Four operating tables will operate to cover, as in the past, the needs of the operating rooms at the Venizelio Hospital”, he noted and thanked those who contributed to solve this problem, commenting that in addition to this reinforcement for the next quarter, rapid procedures will be run for the recruitment of permanent staff.

“Positions will be announced immediately, in order to fill the gaps and ensure the orderly operation”, emphasized Mr. Hrosohoides, adding that he asked the medical service of the hospital to immediately propose the positions, in addition to the anesthesiologists, which are this moment necessary. “We will proceed with a fast track arrangement for the recruitment of doctors at the hospital, so that we can immediately announce and hire the doctors that the hospital needs in order to become a further fighting force,” he pointed out.

At the same time, in addition to the staff and staffing of the Venizeli Hospital, he referred to a series of interventions in infrastructure and strengthening of medical technological equipment within the context of the Recovery Fund, but also projects financed by the Region of Crete, such as the renovation of the old hospital building and the study for the courtyard space, thanking the regional governor, Stavros Arnautakis, for his support. He also spoke about the study that has been financed and will be delivered in the coming months, for the renovation of the old building of the Pananei Hospital, which is planned to house the Autism Day Center, Blood Donation Station, day surgeries and Physiotherapy Department.

“We are here to deal with everything that arises for the benefit of the patients,” the minister underlined. “I will not allow any oligarchy to anyone, nor any deviation from the orders that were given in the context of the implementation of all these instructions”, he added, thanking those who remain “on the front line of the battle, despite all the adversities”.

“We work to change the lives of all people for the better”

Finally, as he noted, his presence in Heraklion today signals “something broader.” “We are working to upgrade the NHS throughout the country and no citizen will be alone in their time of need. No doctor, nurse doing their job will be hindered by the mindsets of yesterday,” he explained adding: “We are working to change the lives of all people for the better and we will not stop unless we succeed, in every corner of the country ».

Before the press conference, Mr. Chrysochoidis participated in a meeting in the presence of the regional governor of Crete, Stavros Arnautakis, the administration of the Ministry of Health of Crete, the Union of Doctors of the National Health Service of Heraklion, as well as the administration, the director of the Medical Service, the director of the surgical department and the members of the three-member committee of the Venizelio Hospital of Heraklion, who presented the problems facing the hospital to the Minister of Health.

Also, among others, Mr. Chrysochoidis had contacts with the management of PAGNI, the Medical Association, the Employees’ Association of Venizelei, PAGNI and the Agios Nikolaos Hospital.