The old buildings at the Athalassa Psychiatric Hospital have been judged structurally unsuitable according to static study results, posing an immediate and real danger to patients, staff and visitors, PA.SY.NO and PASYKI unions said.
“The study confirms the long-standing and documented warnings of the unions, which for years were ignored by the competent authorities,” the unions stated in a joint announcement.
“Despite repeated interventions, memoranda and public statements by PA.SY.NO and PASYKI, the state chose to turn a deaf ear, allowing the continued operation of critical mental health services in buildings that today are proven not to meet even basic safety and seismic protection standards.”
The unions accused the state of “serious institutional failure” that raises “enormous responsibilities”, adding that “human life cannot and must not be treated with carelessness and indifference”.
“The continued operation of services in buildings that have been characterised as structurally unsuitable is unacceptable and dangerous,” the unions said, adding that “tolerance of this reality constitutes conscious exposure of staff and patients to danger, something our unions will not accept”.
The unions demanded the state immediately assume responsibilities and accelerate procedures for constructing Phase B of Athalassa Hospital, provide information on the static study results, issue an action timeline, and implement immediate protective measures for staff and patients.
They also called for a commitment to build a new hospital that is modern, safe and humane, and meets the real needs of mental health patients and health professionals.
PA.SY.NO and PASYKI stressed that “the continued delay of critical decisions cannot be justified and burdens an already dangerous situation”, adding that “the absence of a concrete and binding plan constitutes a political choice, for which someone will have to be held accountable”.
The unions warned they will not remain spectators to a situation that carries serious risks and will proceed with dynamic actions if “authorities continue the delays and shifting their responsibilities”.
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