Greek Public Hospitals Overwhelmed Amid Shortages of Beds and Food

Public hospitals in the Attica region of Greece are reportedly stretched to their breaking point, with workers raising serious concerns about critical shortages. Two separate complaints emerged within a single day, highlighting the immense pressure on these healthcare facilities.

At the former Psychiatric Hospital of Attica (PNA), staff reported that all available beds were occupied during a recent shift on July 28. More than 50 cases were examined, and by the afternoon, no inpatient beds remained. Consequently, 14 patients requiring admission had to be transferred to the next on-call hospital, a situation the workers described as "shameful" and detrimental to the patients' mental and physical health.

“

People lying on makeshift beds, packed next to each other in areas they call 'short-stay' when they are not, stretchers in the corridors, even in the psychiatric examination rooms, where psychiatrists and psychologists examine patients, in conditions that are dangerous for the lives of patients and staff.

Workers at PNA described chaotic scenes: patients lying on makeshift beds in hallways and even in psychiatric examination rooms. They characterized the conditions as dangerous for both patients and staff, leading to tense confrontations with police officers and threats against on-call psychiatrists. These are described as daily occurrences.

Meanwhile, employees at the General State Hospital of Nikaia reported issues beyond a lack of consumables. They also cited problems with the supply of essential food items, including cooking oil, fruits, beef, and chicken. The hospital staff warned that if the situation is not addressed immediately, patient nutrition could be compromised. They have announced plans for a protest against the hospital administration.

“

14 patients who required admission will have to be transferred to the next on-call hospital for another day, with all that this entails for their mental and physical health.