Studies show that one out of every five people is suffering from mental illness. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on our mental health, leading to an increase in demand for mental health services.

Between 2020 and 2021, there was a 66% rise in mental illness cases in the United States alone. However, the treatment of psychiatric patients in hospitals has always been a subject of controversy. Detaining patients in psychiatric facilities are often seen as inhumane, and it is an issue that the PASOK party aims to rectify.

That is why PASOK is proposing that we revamp the hospital psychiatric structures.

Why Revamp Hospital Psychiatric Structures?

There are several reasons why we need to revamp hospital psychiatric structures. Firstly, widespread mistreatment of psychiatric patients has been documented over the years, and it is often brushed aside as collateral damage.

Several patients have been restrained, put in solitary confinement, and forcibly medicated. Staff in charge of these patients are sometimes inadequately trained, which could lead to negligent and misinformed treatment. Secondly, psychiatric hospitals face funding issues, which means that staff to patient ratio is low.

This low ratio limits the quality of care given to patients, which may result in worsening their conditions. Thirdly, many of these hospitals lack adequate infrastructure.

What PASOK proposes

To address these issues, PASOK proposes the following guidelines:.

Improving Infrastructure

PASOK proposes that there be an overhaul of hospital psychiatric structures. The structures should include several amenities and facilities that would make the hospital comfortable for patients.

These amenities should include gardens, libraries, and activity centers. These spaces will provide patients with an environment to express themselves freely and encourage relaxation.

Enhancement of Staffing Level

Adequate staffing at psychiatric hospitals is crucial for quality of care. PASOK proposes that hospitals increase their staff to patient ratio.

This increase in staff will result in better medical attention to individual patients, making it possible to not only address their mental health issues but also their physical wellness. Training for staff should also be properly implemented to ensure that best practices align with appropriate mental healthcare.

Solution for the Homeless and Vulnerable Populations

PASOK understands that most psychiatric patients end up homeless due to mistreatment and neglect by those charged with their care. The party proposes that adequate residential areas be developed for high-risk and vulnerable patients.

These residential areas, which are more akin to group homes, will provide patients with access to regular care and support, ultimately reducing the number of relapses and uncontrolled behavior. This support will ensure that once these patients leave the hospital, they will be less likely to become homeless, resulting in better chances at a higher quality of life.

Ending Outdated Practices

The practices surrounding the treatment of psychiatric patients, which in the past included restraint and sedation, have proven to be very inhumane, and often harm the patient.

PASOK encourages ending these outdated practices and adopting modern techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral analysis, and trauma-informed practices. Methods that enable patients to feel heard, safe and receive non-judgmental treatment.

Collaboration with Community Services

PASOK encourages community outreach as a powerful tool to help with the treatment of patients. Partnering with community volunteers and prior mental health patients will provide some level of comfort to current patients.

Also, the exchange of experiences will provide insight on how to improve hospital psychiatric treatment.

Conclusion

To improve mental healthcare, we need to ensure access to quality care that encompasses responsibility, accountability, empathy, and effective treatment.

PASOK proposes that we revamp hospital psychiatric structures, increasing staffing levels, ending outdated practices, developing residential areas for high-risk patients, and making the hospital experience more comfortable for patients and their family. With a more humane system, patients will not only receive adequate support, but both mental and physical wellness will improve long-term.