Newsroom
Athalassa Hospital said Monday that there are currently no patients without beds at the facility, after concerns were raised last week over reports that some people had been forced to sleep on the floor because of overcrowding.
In a statement, the Mental Health Services Directorate and the State Health Services Organization (OKYpY) admitted that the hospital does face overcrowding from time to time, mainly when police issue unexpected compulsory hospitalization orders that suddenly increase the number of admissions.
The hospital said these situations can put heavy pressure on available space and sometimes force staff to take emergency measures to manage the flow of patients.
The issue sparked public discussion last week after reports claimed some patients at Cyprus’ main psychiatric hospital were sleeping on mattresses on the floor due to a shortage of beds.
According to the statement, an emergency plan has already been in place for the past three months following discussions with unions and healthcare staff.
As part of those efforts, buildings considered structurally unsafe were recently emptied, while more beds were added to clinics operating in newer and safer buildings.
Officials also said more relief is on the way.
Around mid-May, eight compulsory hospitalization beds are expected to begin operating at the psychiatric wing of Limassol General Hospital. Authorities also plan to move around 15 long-term patients into a supervised hostel outside the hospital by the end of the month to help free up space.
At the same time, broader plans are already underway for the next phases of upgrades at Athalassa Hospital and across mental health services.
Hospital officials said their main concern remains making sure patients are treated with dignity and receive proper care.
