ICUs catch bad case of the flu

Dozens of Greeks who should be receiving treatment in intensive care units (ICUs) are not because of shortages at public hospitals in Attica, the Athens Medical Association (ISA) said Thursday.

According to ISA, on Monday there were 75 patients on the waiting list for intensive care units. This edged down to 73 on Tuesday and 66 on Wednesday. The demand for intensive treatment is high at the moment because of the impact of seasonal flu.

There are some 175 intensive care units in Attica but around 60 of them are closed because of staff shortages. Just over 100 people are currently being treated at ICUs in the Greek capital.