Athalassa Hospital, Cyprus’s main psychiatric facility, is grappling with a severe overcrowding crisis that “endangers the health and safety of both patients and staff”, the mental health branch of civil servants’ union PASYDY said on Thursday.
The hospital, designed to accommodate 100 patients, is currently treating 141, forcing some patients to sleep on sofas.
On Wednesday night, three male patients in the admission ward had to use couches due to bed shortages.
The union warned that nursing staff are experiencing burnout, whilst the absence of a pharmacist has led to shortages of essential psychotropic medications.
These conditions are “hampering quality care delivery” and creating safety risks for both patients and healthcare workers.
PASYDY has called on authorities to take immediate action to ease overcrowding and strengthen the hospital’s infrastructure and staffing levels to ensure dignified care and working conditions.
