Two Thessaloniki clinics shut down over serious violations
Two private clinics in Thessaloniki have been ordered to close permanently after inspections found serious violations of the legal framework governing their operation and healthcare services, the Region of Central Macedonia said.
Closures follow revoked operating certificates
The first closure order was served last week on a private clinic outside Thessaloniki, while a second was served on Tuesday on a clinic within the city.
The Region said the certificates of good operation for both clinics had previously been revoked. The closures also effectively cut off payments from EOPYY, Greece’s main public health insurance provider.
The clinic closed on Tuesday had been given an opportunity to address deficiencies after requesting to comply with the required standards. A subsequent inspection found that serious violations remained, leading authorities to complete the permanent closure procedure.
Authorities cited violations affecting healthcare quality and said the conditions required for issuing a new certificate of good operation had not been met, even after the clinic had been notified of a temporary suspension of beds.
The other clinic was cited for invalid standard environmental commitments and a significant shortfall in required staffing levels, despite a notification concerning a reduction in beds.
Inspection findings under review
The Region said findings from an inspection by the National Transparency Authority at the second clinic would be examined by its competent services.
If shortcomings are confirmed in the operation of regional inspection committees, authorities said procedures would be initiated to determine possible disciplinary responsibility.
Patient records must remain accessible
The operators of both clinics must inform the authorities within 15 days where patients’ medical records are stored and how they can be accessed.
They must also designate two people responsible for access to the records and provide their contact details.
Police to enforce closure orders
The closure orders will be enforced by Hellenic Police officers with the assistance and supervision of prosecuting authorities.
The licence holders and the clinics’ scientific and administrative directors are required to ensure the safe transfer of hospitalized patients so that their treatment can continue.
Separately, police in Patra arrested two women accused of working as private nurses at a city hospital without the required qualifications or permits.
Police said neither woman had a nursing degree, a licence to practise or a work permit from the competent authority. They were also accused of failing to issue receipts for their services.
The women are expected to appear before a prosecutor on charges of violating legislation governing private nursing.
Families of hospital patients in Greece commonly hire private nurses or carers to provide additional assistance and care during hospital stays.
