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

Imagine, if you will, the serene garden of Mount Carmel Hospital, a place of solace and recovery for many Maltese. Now picture it cordoned off, patients peering through the fence, as nurses worry that the refurbishment could put lives at risk.

The Refurbishment Dilemma

The garden, a haven for patients to enjoy fresh air and nature, has been closed for refurbishment since last year. But the project, initially estimated to take six months, is now in its tenth. Nurses, who have been raising concerns for months, fear that the delay and the current setup are compromising patient safety.

“We’re seeing patients trying to escape through the construction site,” a nurse, who wished to remain anonymous, told Hot Malta. “It’s a recipe for disaster. We’ve had close calls, and it’s only a matter of time before something serious happens.”

The Construction Conundrum

The construction site, located right next to the psychiatric ward, is a maze of scaffolding and heavy machinery. Patients, some with cognitive impairments or dementia, are drawn to the activity, leading to several near-escape incidents.

the noise and vibrations from the construction work are causing distress among patients. “We’ve had patients become aggressive or withdraw further into themselves due to the noise and commotion,” the nurse explained.

“We’ve been trying to raise these issues with the authorities, but it feels like we’re not being heard,” the nurse added. “Patients’ safety should be the priority, not the speed of the refurbishment.”

The Authorities Respond

Hot Malta reached out to the Ministry of Health for comment. A spokesperson acknowledged the concerns, stating, “We are aware of the issues raised and are working closely with the contractor to ensure the safety of patients and staff.”

However, when asked about the delays, the spokesperson simply replied, “Refurbishment projects often face unforeseen challenges. We are committed to completing the work as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, nurses on the ground continue to worry. “We just want our garden back,” the nurse said. “A place where patients can relax, heal, and be safe.”

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“title”: “Patients at Risk in Mount Carmel Garden Refurbishment”,
“metaDescription”: “Nurses warn that patients at Mount Carmel Hospital could be at risk due to delays and safety issues in the garden’s refurbishment. Hot Malta investigates.”,
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