Last update:
11-Nov-2026

OBJECTIVE The investigation of the frequency of transfers, modes of transport used, and associated costs. Additionally, it aspires to serve as a starting point and foundation for future studies, as well as a useful guide for healthcare policy planning.

METHOD A retrospective quantitative study of medical air and sea transport records of 4,169 patients from the Cyclades islands to Syros, from 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2022.

RESULTS A total of 4,169 patients were transported from the Cyclades to "Vardakeio and Proio" General Hospital of Syros, with a mean age of 59 years, ranging from a few-hour-old newborn to an elderly person aged 102 years. Males (n=2,350) outnumbered females (n=1,819). The vast majority of transfers were conducted by sea (state-owned boats, private-owned boats and ferries) and the total cost reached approximately € 15 million, with an average of 58 transfers per month. Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation was found between the cost of transfer and its seasonality (p=0.014), modes of transport used (p<0.001), the type of transfer (p<0.001), the transport provider (p<0.001) and whether or not the patients were admitted for hospitalization (p=0.003). Finally, it was found that the distribution of transfers within the islands varied, showing fluctuations in the day and time they were carried out throughout the week.

CONCLUSIONS It is deemed necessary –if not imperative– to formulate a targeted healthcare policy for the Cyclades islands. Planning a modern, human-centered healthcare system is the only viable path forward. Meeting the needs of the islanders in the most efficient manner, providing high-quality services, ensuring universal access to healthcare facilities and relieving the overall burden on the healthcare system should constitute the main pillars of this plan.

Key words: Cost, Emergency medical services, Islands, Patient transfer.