Chris Fearne Inaugurates Renovated Ward In Mount Carmel That Cost Over €880,000
Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne has just inaugurated a newly renovated ward in Mount Carmel which cost the government over €880,000.
The ward will be used by patients who have been admitted to the hospital for acute care for the first time or for those who have not been readmitted in over a year.
The renovation of Ward Four involved a number of structural works – an official government statement reads – as well as investment in “modern and safe systems” for patients which included the purchasing of anti-ligature furniture which are designed to minimise ligature points that could be used to cause self-harm.
Moreover, during the inauguration, Fearne explained that the 13 patients of this ward will receive specialised psychiatric care as well as assistance from a multidisciplinary team that will follow and assist the patient until they are reintegrated into society.
“The renovation of Admission Ward Four is just one of the ongoing infrastructure projects in the Mount Carmel Hospital. After opening two renovated halls in the last two years, we will spend the coming months continuing with the structural and beautification works around the hospital, with respect to the historical architectural value of the building,” Fearne said.
Fearne went on to reiterate the state’s investment in mental health services in the community, saying that, for the first time, we have more patients receiving mental health care in the community than in the hospital itself.
He, once again, brought up the islands’ mental health helpline which provided assistance to 7,500 callers. He further claimed that the number of mental health specialists has doubled in the last 10 years, meaning that there are now 34 psychiatrists offering their services in the public health system.
Back in 2023, it was promised that Mount Carmel would be complemented by another psychiatric hospital near Mater Dei. It was announced that this project is expected to be finalised by 2025 and a site plan was tabled in parliament just last month.
The land for construction has been earmarked but the physical building has not begun.
The Labour Party’s 2017 and 2022 electoral manifestos both made mention of plans for a new mental health facility to supplement Mount Carmel.
What do you make of this?
READ NEXT: Four Gang Members Sentenced To Over Five Years Over String Of Break-Ins
