Mount Carmel’s Green Lungs in Jeopardy: Nurses Sound Alarm on Patient Safety

Imagine, if you will, the serene garden at Mount Carmel Hospital, a verdant oasis in the heart of Msida, where patients have found solace and healing for decades. Now, picture that garden, its once-lush greenery replaced by a sprawling construction site, as nurses warn that patients could die due to the refurbishment works.

Patients Evacuated, Nurses Alarmed

In an rare move, nurses at Malta’s largest public hospital have raised the alarm over the ongoing refurbishment of the hospital’s garden. The project, aimed at creating a new entrance and reception area, has led to the evacuation of patients from the affected wards, with nurses expressing grave concerns about patient safety and well-being.

“We’re talking about critically ill patients, many of whom are elderly and frail,” said a nurse who wished to remain anonymous. “The noise, the dust, the constant disruption to their routine – it’s taking a toll on their health.”

Refurbishment Gone Awry

The refurbishment, which began in late 2021, was initially welcomed by staff and patients alike. The garden, while beautiful, had become dilapidated and in need of repair. However, the project has faced numerous delays and setbacks, with nurses now alleging that the works are being carried out in a manner that prioritises speed over safety.

“We’ve had instances where patients have had to be moved in the middle of the night due to the noise and vibrations from the construction,” the nurse revealed. “It’s not just about the noise – the dust is a major concern too. We’re talking about patients with compromised immune systems, and even a small infection can be life-threatening.”

Hospital Administration Responds

When contacted by Hot Malta, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health said that the concerns raised by nurses were being taken seriously. “We understand the difficulties that the refurbishment works are causing,” they said. “However, we must balance the need to complete these works with the need to maintain patient care. We are doing our utmost to minimise disruption and ensure the safety of our patients.”

The spokesperson also confirmed that additional measures were being taken to mitigate the effects of the refurbishment, including the use of air purifiers and soundproofing in affected wards.

However, nurses remain skeptical. “We’ve been assured that these measures are in place, but we’re not seeing the results on the ground,” the nurse said. “Our patients deserve better. They deserve to be cared for in a safe, peaceful environment, not a construction site.”

As the refurbishment works continue, nurses at Mount Carmel are calling on the hospital administration to prioritise patient safety and well-being. They are also urging the public to support their cause, highlighting the importance of a safe and peaceful environment for patients to recover.

“We’re not against the refurbishment – we want the best for our hospital,” the nurse said. “But we can’t stand by and watch as our patients suffer. We have a duty of care, and we’re not going to let them down.”