Health Minister Announces Plans To Phase Out Mount Carmel Hospital
The Maltese government is in the process of phasing out Mount Carmel Hospital as the primary mental health facility for the country, Health Minister JoEtienne Abela said.
During yesterday’s session in Parliament, Abela admitted the historic 19th century structure is “no longer suitable for its intended purpose” since the institution has become stigmatised.
Acknowledging a shared responsibility across successive administrations for neglecting investment in mental health infrastructure, Abela emphasised the need to move past the blame game and focus on progress.
“It’s time to move beyond pointing fingers at each other,” implying that whether it’s the PL or PN governments to blame for the hospital’s condition, the “focus must now be on progress.”
Abela emphasised the necessity of relocating acute psychiatric health services to a dedicated unit within Mater Dei Hospital.
The Minister explained how plans are in motion to inaugurate an acute mental health ward at Malta’s general hospital within the upcoming months.
He noted that a panel of experts had advised that mental health services should be integrated with physical health services in the same facility, advocating for a seamless approach without segregating mental and physical health care.
Abela explained how the immediate closure of Mount Carmel is not feasible from a logistical standpoint, although efforts to transition psychiatric care to Mater Dei are already underway.
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