Nurses warn patients could die, escape from refurbished Mount Carmel garden

Picture this: A patient, frail and disoriented, wanders away from their bed at Mount Carmel Hospital, drawn towards the newly refurbished garden. The sun is shining, the scent of Mediterranean herbs fills the air, but the garden’s beauty belies a dangerous reality. This is the chilling scenario that Malta’s nurses’ union, MUMN, is warning could become all too common.

The Garden’s New Lease of Life

Mount Carmel’s garden, once a peaceful oasis, has undergone a facelift. The refurbishment, part of the hospital’s ongoing modernization project, has transformed the space into a vibrant, inviting area. Yet, while the garden’s new look has been praised, its impact on patient safety has raised red flags among healthcare professionals.

The garden’s redesign includes the removal of barriers and the installation of automatic doors, intended to enhance accessibility and patient experience. However, these changes have also made it easier for patients, particularly those with dementia or cognitive impairments, to wander off unnoticed.

Nurses Sound the Alarm

MUMN has issued a stark warning, stating that the garden’s new design could lead to patients wandering off and potentially getting lost, injured, or worse. They’ve cited incidents where patients have already managed to leave the hospital grounds, highlighting the urgent need for action.

“We’ve seen patients walk out onto the main road, putting themselves and others at risk,” said a concerned nurse, who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s only a matter of time before a serious incident occurs if these issues aren’t addressed.”

MUMN has called on the hospital administration to reinstall barriers and implement stricter monitoring systems to prevent such incidents. They’ve also urged the public to report any sightings of wandering patients to the hospital or the police.

The Hospital’s Response

Mount Carmel Hospital has acknowledged the concerns raised by MUMN. In a statement, the hospital administration confirmed that they are working on implementing additional safety measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras and the training of staff to better manage patients at risk of wandering.

However, MUMN argues that these measures do not go far enough and have called for a complete re-evaluation of the garden’s design to ensure patient safety is paramount.

Dr. Carmen Sciberras, MUMN’s President, stated, “We understand pleasant environments for patients, but not at the expense of their safety. We urge the hospital administration to take immediate action to prevent tragedies from occurring.”

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