Pafopsy reports severe overcrowding at Athalassa Hospital

The Cyprus Federation of Mental Health Organisations (Pafopsy) has raised concerns regarding overcrowding and poor infrastructure at Athalassa Hospital. Following the closure of unsafe wards, patient relocation has resulted in 35 to 40 patients occupying acute care wards designed for 22, and over 30 patients in the THEMEEA building, which has a 20-bed capacity. Reports indicate that double rooms have been converted to triple or quadruple occupancy, with some patients sleeping on floor mattresses. The lack of space has reportedly led to a reduction in therapeutic and communal areas, as well as insufficient dining and recreation facilities. Pafopsy states that these conditions prevent personalized medical support, noting that treatment is currently restricted to medication with a lack of organized psychosocial programs. Furthermore, the organization alleges that some long-term patients have been discharged to elderly care homes lacking specialized mental health staff. The federation has officially urged the Ministry of Health and the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY) to implement immediate corrective measures.