Mount Carmel Nurses: Refurbished Garden Puts Patients at Risk

Nurses’ Alarm: Patients at Risk in Mount Carmel Garden Refurb

Picture this: A patient, frail and weak, attempting to scale the newly refurbished garden wall at Mount Carmel Hospital. This isn’t a scene from a Hollywood thriller, but a chilling possibility that nurses warn could become reality. The garden, once a peaceful sanctuary for patients, has turned into a potential deathtrap following recent refurbishments.

New Walls, Old Concerns

The once-low, manageable walls have been replaced with towering, smooth surfaces, making them near-impossible to climb. Yet, for patients with dementia or other cognitive impairments, the instinct to wander and explore remains. The new walls, combined with the removal of the old, familiar garden layout, have left nurses grappling with a frightening new reality.

“We’ve seen patients trying to climb the walls, and it’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt,” says a concerned nurse, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We’re not against progress, but patient safety should always be the top priority.”

Refurbishment Gone Wrong

The refurbishment, intended to create a more modern, inviting space, has instead caused chaos. Patients, disoriented by the changes, have been wandering off, leading to increased security measures and staff workload. The garden, once a place of respite, is now a source of stress for both patients and staff.

Dr. Marie Claire Aquilina, a geriatrician at Mount Carmel, echoes these concerns. “The garden was designed without considering the unique needs of our patients. We need a space that’s both aesthetically pleasing and safe for those with cognitive impairments.”

Call for Action

The Malta Union of Nurses and Midwives has called for an urgent review of the garden’s design. They’ve also urged the public to raise awareness about this issue, highlighting that it’s not just about Mount Carmel, but a potential problem in other healthcare facilities too.

“We need to learn from this. Refurbishments should always involve healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety isn’t compromised,” says the union’s president.

As the sun sets on Mount Carmel’s refurbished garden, the question remains: How long before a patient’s life is put at risk? It’s a chilling thought that demands immediate action.