Workers say public mental health structures are facing serious understaffing and operational problems, which they claim have intensified since the implementation of the psychiatric reform. According to the association, shortages of medical and nursing staff at the former PSNA stand at approximately 50%, while administrative services are operating with a limited number of employees who are required to cover expanded needs.

Complaints over shortages and staff overload

In its announcement, the association said public psychosocial rehabilitation units are operating with limited staff, resulting in a small number of nurses covering the needs of 24-hour operation, while psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists are moving between many structures across Attica.

Workers also said the lack of available beds and staff is leading to prolonged stays for patients in psychiatric clinics, with consequences both for patients and for the overall operation of services.

The association made particular reference to the working conditions of nursing and medical staff, describing cases in which two nurses or two psychiatrists are called upon to cover departments with more than 30 patients, in addition to outpatient clinics, on-call duties and other obligations.

Staffing figures

According to data provided by the association, of the 935 permanent posts for nurses and nursing assistants provided for in the hospital’s organisational chart, 542 employees are currently serving. Of these, only 199 are university-educated or technologically educated nurses.

Similarly, 46 doctors are serving in the 90 permanent psychiatrist posts, meaning that almost half of the positions remain vacant. Workers say that in Attica no permanent psychiatrist has been hired since 2024, while a recent call concerns only five positions, despite dozens of vacant permanent posts.

Increased needs at a time of rising demand

The association stressed that the shortages come at a time of increased demand for mental health services. Indicatively, it said that in 2025 alone, 4,677 patients were examined in the emergency departments of the former PSNA and 2,272 admissions were made, of which 1,535 were involuntary.

Workers are demanding the immediate hiring of permanent staff, the strengthening of public mental health structures and improved conditions for the provision of services to patients. They are expected to highlight these issues during the mobilisation on 24 June.

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