WILLEMSTAD – The Capriles Psychiatric Clinic on Curaçao is facing a serious capacity crisis and is struggling to admit new patients due to a lack of available space across all departments. 

The clinic, which receives a high number of daily referrals from doctors for both voluntary and involuntary admissions, typically relies on a steady flow of patient intake and discharge to maintain balance. However, that balance has now been disrupted. 

Intensive Care Unit Over Capacity 

The High Care unit, responsible for intensive psychiatric care, is currently overcrowded. Patients cannot be transferred to other wards within the clinic because those areas are also at full capacity. 

A major contributing factor is the limited availability of follow-up care outside the clinic. Residential care homes and facilities for people with disabilities have very few open spots, forcing patients to remain in the clinic longer than medically necessary. 

Clinic Remains Committed to Admitting Patients 

Despite the severe capacity issues, Capriles continues to fulfill its legal obligation to admit patients in need of psychiatric care. The clinic is currently working on improving its processes for intake, treatment, and discharge in order to safeguard its ability to accept new patients in the future. 

The crisis underscores the urgent need for expanded mental health infrastructure and support services beyond the clinic to ensure timely care and prevent bottlenecks in the psychiatric care system.