Rethymnon Hospital ICU faces severe understaffing and court-ordered doctor compensation

The Medical Union of Rethymno has condemned the chronic understaffing of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Rethymno Hospital, noting three vacant physician posts, unfilled specialist positions and a shortage of nursing staff. The unit, which operates with seven beds (nine during the COVID period), is currently staffed by only four specialist doctors and relies on six on‑call shifts by a private intensivist, far below the seven permanent positions required by protocol. The union demands urgent recruitment for all vacant roles.

In a related development, a court has awarded a Rethymno Hospital doctor €20,000 in compensation after he challenged excessive workload and overtime. The judgment underscores widespread over‑working conditions in Greece’s public health system, which the Federation of Hospital Physicians says regularly exceeds EU‑approved weekly hours. "It is a matter we have raised many times with the Health Ministry because it violates legislation and European regulations," said Anna Mastorakou of the Patras Medical Association.