At Greece’s largest hospital, an HIV-positive patient, diagnosed with active tuberculosis, is hospitalized under health conditions which put his life in danger.
In the heart of summer, at the country’s largest hospital, a patient is hospitalized − forgotten in a room on the eighth floor. Solomon’s report on Εvaggelismos hospital has documented the hazardous conditions of the patient’s hospitalization, which may endanger his life further, as his health is already failing.
Solomon was informed of the unhygienic condition of the room where the patient is in isolation, as he has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis. We visited Εvaggelismos, specifically the AHEPA building, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, and confirmed the situation that had been described to us.
We recorded conditions that cause great concern for the treatment of a patient at Greece’s largest hospital. The bed and sheets were visibly soiled, stained with dried blood and urine. The room was dirty and the floor was sticky. The patient’s bare legs were covered by worn, also visibly dirty pants, sweat-stained and soiled. Discarded on the bed, there were empty packages of butter, dry toast, sugar, and yogurt.
After Solomon communicated with organizations that provide support services to people living on the streets, it appears that this is not the first time that the man has been hospitalized.
Tasos Smetopoulos from STEPS organization explained that STEPS members have, in the past, accompanied him to the hospital. Smetopoulos confirmed that the patient “has a serious medical history that puts his life at risk, and therefore clearly needs humane and dignified treatment.”
From Solomon’s report it appears that the patient is approximately 30 years old, an immigrant, HIV-positive, and battling addiction.
The information we reviewed states that he was taken to the Εvaggelismos emergency room about two weeks ago, by members of OKANA’s “street team” (Organization Against Drugs). There was concern that he was suffering from tuberculosis, which was confirmed, according to the same information.
Most TB infections are asymptomatic and dormant. However, in his case, he was diagnosed with active TB, which is transmitted by saliva or coughing, thus he was put into isolation.
But based on his state of health, by being in such unhygienic conditions, he is exposed to germs and possible infections.
Solomon directed questions and concerns to Εvaggelismos hospital and OKANA.
We asked OKANA to confirm the information that the patient was transferred to Εvaggelismos by a team from their organization. We also asked if they are aware of his hospitalization conditions, and how often OKANA members visit the patient.
According to the answer we received, when the OKANA street team accompanies someone to a hospital, “the street team gives initial information regarding a person’s current condition either to the EKAV staff [ambulance] when they are called or to the medical staff at the hospital.”
“From then on,” OKANA stated, “the care and treatment of the person and their medical treatment belongs exclusively to the jurisdiction and responsibility of the hospital.”
We asked Εvaggelismos hospital if the administration is aware of the patient’s hospitalization conditions and if the needs of the patient are being met and if medical protocols are being followed.
At the time of publication, we have not received a reply.
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