Mental health patients are left houseless after treatment at Athalassa Hospital, raising concerns about the support available for these individuals and their families. During a recent session of the parliamentary Health Committee, a representative from organisations advocating for mental health patients detailed the challenges faced by families navigating the system.
- MPs expressed frustration over the lack of coordination between ministries, urging them to define their roles clearly to enhance the support provided to mental health patients post-discharge.
The representative highlighted the intense stigma surrounding mental illness, which often prevents families from seeking help until a crisis point is reached. Judges, she noted, are reluctant to issue compulsory treatment orders unless a patient poses a serious risk to themselves or others. This process leaves families in a state of limbo, unsure of how to manage their loved ones’ conditions until it escalates to a critical level.
One poignant example shared was the struggle families endure while waiting for police to enact treatment orders. On one occasion, a family had to wait six to seven days for police intervention, as other priorities took precedence. The representative recounted a distressing incident where a police officer stopped en route to detain her brother to chat at a local coffee shop, highlighting the lack of urgency in these situations.
After navigating the complex court and police processes, families have reported being called by Athalassa Hospital days later, often only to find that the patient must be discharged due to a lack of space. This cycle of inadequate support leaves families feeling abandoned, with many having to manage challenging situations alone.
Addressing the MPs, the representative urged them to consider the broader impact of mental illness on families, many of whom transform their homes into makeshift care facilities. Unlike families affected by drug addiction, those dealing with mental health issues often find themselves without institutional support or training, making the burden of care that much heavier.
The session also highlighted the plight of children who are victims of abuse, as noted by Elena Perikleous, the Commissioner for the Protection of Children’s Rights. She pointed out that many children do not receive necessary support services if both parents do not consent. This becomes particularly problematic when the non-consenting parent is the abuser, leaving vulnerable children without the help they need.
Perikleous emphasised the need for a cohesive national plan to address the integration and support of children and adolescents, stressing that current measures are fragmented and insufficient. She called for the cooperation of all state services to ensure that early diagnosis and support mechanisms are put in place.
The ongoing dispute over responsibilities between various ministries came to the forefront during the session. A representative from the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare clarified that some issues related to mental health care do not fall under their remit. This led to a strong rebuttal from the Mental Health Services, which insisted that they are equipped to handle patient care but require clear directives from the state regarding their responsibilities.
MPs expressed frustration over the lack of coordination between ministries, urging them to define their roles clearly to enhance the support provided to mental health patients post-discharge.
As the discussions continued, the issue of overcrowding at Athalassa Hospital was raised, with plans already in motion to increase the number of beds in mental health units at Nicosia and Limassol hospitals. The financial director of SHSO mentioned that a viability study for expanding Athalassa Hospital has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance, with costs estimated between €30 and €40 million.
As Cyprus grapples with these challenges, the voices of families and advocates for mental health patients continue to echo in the halls of parliament, highlighting the urgent need for reform and comprehensive support systems.
