The Athalassa psychiatric hospital is facing severe overcrowding, putting patients and staff at risk, according to the trade union Pasydy. The union highlighted that wards are currently operating at 150 per cent capacity, creating an untenable situation for everyone involved.
Pasydy expressed concern that this is not merely a theoretical issue but a critical staffing crisis. “We are talking about wards operating at 150 per cent of their capacity and colleagues who are called upon daily to care for patients in conditions that should not exist in a modern hospital,” the union stated.
The situation has deteriorated recently, largely due to the reduction of available wards from five to three. The remaining wards, originally designed for 60 patients, are now accommodating around 90. This alarming increase raises serious questions about the safety and quality of care provided at the facility.
In particular, the hospital’s two acute care wards, which have a combined capacity of 22, are now hosting approximately 40 patients. Additionally, more than 30 individuals are being housed in the Themeea building, which was intended for only 20 beds. These figures underscore the inadequacy of current facilities to meet the demands of mental health services.
Despite the existence of two additional wards operating outside the main hospital, Pasydy claims that these measures are insufficient. The union argued that the inadequate facilities severely hinder the ability to maintain safe conditions and provide appropriate psychiatric care.
Pasydy has made repeated appeals to the state health services organisation Okypy and the health ministry, urging immediate action to improve conditions at the hospital. The union highlighted that they are still awaiting a response after many calls for help.
The issue of overcrowding is compounded by the long-awaited redevelopment of the hospital. President Nikos Christodoulides had promised to strengthen mental health services when the first phase of redevelopment was inaugurated in late 2024. However, Pasydy noted that eighteen months after this opening, the start of the next phase remains uncertain, with no timetable provided for its implementation.
In its statement, the union remarked, “The conditions currently prevailing in the nursing wards demonstrate the need for immediate interventions and substantial support for mental health services.” They urged the health ministry to take swift action to ensure adequate staffing levels, warning that should there be no immediate or meaningful response, they would consider further measures.
The Athalassa hospital, which has been in operation since 1964, has faced ongoing scrutiny and controversy over the years due to allegations of chronic neglect. Earlier this year, political party Akel described conditions at the facility as “shameful and dangerous.” Unions Pasyno and Pasyki further reported that many parts of the hospital’s older buildings were “structurally unsound,” placing both patients and staff in jeopardy.
