Crete Hospital Suspends Routine Surgeries Due to Staff Shortage

Wednesday, 6 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

The General Hospital of Agios Nikolaos, in the Lasithi region of eastern Crete, has suspended routine surgical operations due to severe staff shortages. The hospital's surgical unit no longer has sufficient personnel to maintain its regular schedule of non-emergency procedures. Emergency surgeries remain available. Tourists visiting the Lasithi area, which includes popular destinations such as Elounda, Spinalonga, and Agios Nikolaos town, should be aware that the local hospital's surgical capacity is currently limited. For non-emergency medical needs, visitors may need to travel to Heraklion, approximately 65 kilometers west, where the University General Hospital of Heraklion offers fuller services. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation or transport is strongly recommended when visiting eastern Crete at this time.