Cyprus court upholds nurse’s dismissal over unsterilized instruments

The Cyprus Court of Appeal has put an end to a years-long legal dispute by upholding the dismissal of a nurse from Nicosia General Hospital. The employee lost her job and severance pay because of negligence that put patients’ health at risk.

The incident took place back in June 2014 in the ophthalmology department. The nurse, who was responsible for preparing equipment, was negligent in checking and cleaning surgical instruments. The fact of a serious breach of safety protocols was promptly identified by the hospital management, after which she was immediately dismissed.

The former employee tried to challenge the decision, considering the punishment excessively harsh, and demanded compensation for her years of service. However, the Court of Appeal rejected the plaintiff’s complaint, upholding the first-instance ruling.

The judges emphasized that in the medical field, creating a potential threat to people’s lives and health — even in the absence of serious consequences — is sufficient grounds for terminating a contract under the gross misconduct provision. The hospital administration’s decision was found to be fully lawful and proportionate to the severity of the violation committed.