The Mental Health Department of OCYPY is the only one in Cyprus that covers inpatient care of acute cases at the Athalassa Hospital (with a court order of compulsory hospitalization), while it has 38 structures within the community and Psychiatric Clinics in the Agency's inpatient facilities, through which it covers the full range of needs of the population of Cyprus, the State Health Services Agency said in a written statement.
It notes that the Athalassa Hospital, which is staffed by highly qualified personnel, consisting of Psychiatrists, Specialist Psychologists, Specialist Nurses and Occupational Therapists, can accommodate up to 100 patients. "Currently, a total of 144 patients are treated at the hospital, equivalent to 144% occupancy," adds the OCYPY.
It also explains that "despite the fact that, despite the fact that, patient admissions have increased recently, OKYPY is doing everything humanly possible to better manage patients who have chronic mental health problems and require inpatient care, and has initiated various actions."
"Among other things, the creation of a protected hospice with a capacity of 11 beds is being promoted, which is expected to be operational by Autumn 2022," he adds.
"The hostel," he continues, "will accommodate patients with chronic mental health problems in stable condition, who are currently hospitalized at the Athalassa Hospital and are not at risk and who could be rehabilitated in the community. The hostel will adhere to all the standards required for the operation of such facilities. As at the Athalassa Hospital, qualified mental health staff will staff the hostel facilities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."
In parallel, OKYPY is also proceeding with the construction of a new Mental Health Centre. An agreement has already been signed for the construction of the first phase of the project, which meets modern standards to house people with acute mental health problems and a THEMEA (Treatment Unit for Addicted Persons) unit,which is expected to be completed within the next two years. In the meantime, work has begun on the design of the second phase.
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