Koutsogiannis family share heartbreak after being denied last moments with dying dad

·

COVID-19 hospital visitation rules are being relaxed in New South Wales today but for the Koutsogiannis family, these changes have come too late.

Speaking to ABC News, Tina Koutsogiannis shared how she was denied an exemption to see her father conscious for the last time at Concord Hospital, after he was admitted due to complications from COVID-19.

84-year-old, Sozo Koutsogiannis, and his wife, Shirley, contracted COVID-19 after New Year’s Eve.

Sozo began suffering “a little bit of heavy breathing” and a “cough,” and was admitted to hospital on January 21. Tina said that days later, doctors at the hospital called to tell her Sozo had pneumonia and infections.

READ MORE: ‘I’ve read it for 56 years’: Greek migrants share what The Greek Herald means to them.

Sozos was an avid reader of The Greek Herald. Photo by Kaily Koutsogiannis.

She “begged” hospital staff to let her see him multiple times, but was refused. The family was only allowed video calls.

On February 3, Tina was told her dad would need to be ventilated. An exemption to see him conscious one last time was again denied, but they did speak via video call.

“And then his last words to us were, he looked at us, his words were, ‘I love you too much’,” she told the national broadcaster.

After a last request to see him, Tina said she, her mother and sister were given an exemption to sit by his side for an hour as he lay unconscious the day before his death on February 5. 

These stories of heartbreak have forced the NSW Government to revise its hospital visitor guidelines today. These guidelines will now allow visits if it is “beneficial for the patient’s emotional or physical well-being.”

Source: ABC News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Meet the Greek Australian doctor fighting to save Indigenous children’s lives

Professor John Carapetis, renowned paediatrician and infectious disease expert, hopes to close the health gap for Indigenous children.

44th National Cretan Federation Convention to be held in Sydney

The 44th National Cretan Federation Convention will be hosted by the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW from in 2026.

Day three of the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers inspires deep reflection

The third day of the 1st Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers unfolded at the Megaron Athens Concert Hall on Wednesday, July 9.

FECCA’s Peter Doukas OAM condemns violence against Jewish community in Australia

Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) condemns in unequivocal terms violence against the Jewish community.

Cyprus’ Andreas Grigoriou to visit Australia to mark 51st anniversary of Turkish invasion

Andreas Grigoriou will visit Australia this July to participate in events marking the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

You May Also Like

Far-right figure Tommy Robinson spotted in Greece as he stokes riots in the UK

Far-right figure Tommy Robinson has been spotted in Cyprus and Greece this week. Robinson has been accused of inciting riots in Britain.

Remembering the life of poet and philhellene, Oscar Wilde

Universally known as a famous poet and playwright, Oscar Wilde is known and loved for his humour that he showcased in his writings.

Nicole Christodoulou leads ParaMatildas to victory in Asia-Oceania championship

Nicole Christodoulou has helped lead the ParaMatildas to victory against Japan in the IFCPF Asia-Oceania Championships.