Hospitals and health facilities across Crete, the Ionian Islands, the Aegean and the Cyclades are facing critical staff shortages, forcing clinics to close, intensive care units to operate below capacity and leaving staff exhausted by relentless shifts and chronic understaffing.
The situation is particularly difficult in island and remote areas, where the shortage of doctors, nurses and support staff has pushed many hospitals below safe staffing levels. They now rely heavily on auxiliary workers, private contractors and the constant redeployment of personnel from other regions.
Severe staff shortages in Crete
In Crete, major hospitals such as Venizeleio Hospital and PAGNI are reporting extensive shortages in almost all specialties. At Venizeleio, three of the 15 ICU beds remain closed due to lack of staff, while only five of the eight operating theatres are functioning. In nursing alone, more than 100 posts are vacant.
At Chania General Hospital, shortages affect 40%–45% of established posts. The Pulmonology Clinic has closed, the Accident and Emergency departments operate with just two doctors, and only three of the seven operating tables are available. At the same time, staff report a rise in incidents of violence because of a lack of security personnel.
