Nicosia, Cyprus. Trade union Pasydy warned on Friday that severe staff shortages and overcrowding at Athalassa psychiatric hospital are jeopardising the safety of both patients and employees. The union said the situation reflects not a theoretical staffing issue but wards operating far beyond safe capacity.
Capacity pressures worsen
Pasydy said conditions have deteriorated following the reduction in available wards from five to three. The remaining wards, designed to accommodate 60 patients, are currently housing around 90.
According to the union, the hospital’s two acute care wards are hosting approximately 40 patients despite having a combined intended capacity of 22. It added that more than 30 patients are being accommodated in the Themeea building, which has a capacity of 20 beds.
Calls for immediate intervention
The union said the problem continues despite two additional wards operating outside the hospital. It argued that the existing facilities are inadequate for the needs of mental health services and make it difficult to maintain safe conditions and provide appropriate psychiatric care.
Appealing to state health services organisation Okypy and the health ministry, Pasydy said it had repeatedly called for immediate measures to improve conditions at the hospital but was still awaiting a response.
Redevelopment delays cited
Pasydy also recalled President Nikos Christodoulides’ pledge to strengthen mental health services when the first phase of the hospital’s redevelopment was inaugurated in late 2024.
The union said that 18 months after the opening of Phase A, the start of Phase B remains pending and no specific timetable for implementation has been disclosed. It said current conditions in the nursing wards demonstrate the need for immediate interventions and substantial support for mental health services.
Long-running concerns
Pasydy called on the health ministry to take urgent action to ensure adequate staffing levels, warning that it would consider further measures if there is no immediate and meaningful response.
The hospital, which dates back to 1964, has been at the centre of controversy for years amid allegations of chronic neglect. Earlier this year, Akel described conditions at the facility as “shameful and dangerous”, while unions Pasyno and Pasyki said parts of the hospital’s older buildings were “structurally unsound”, placing both patients and staff at risk.