Mental Health Association Urges Immediate Action on Security Lapses at Mt Carmel Hospital

The Mental Health Association expresses deep concern over the recent discovery of drugs at Mt Carmel Hospital, as reported by the Times of Malta. While we acknowledge the responsible handling of the case by the authorities and the court’s balanced consideration of mental health factors, this incident calls for significant upgrades in the hospital’s security protocols. While recognising that controlling drugs is a challenge everywhere, the presence of illegal substances within a mental health facility is entirely unacceptable. It poses a grave risk to the safety and recovery of all clients. Such security breaches can severely compromise therapeutic efforts and endanger individuals undergoing treatment.

We call on the relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to review and fortify the hospital’s security measures. It is crucial, however, that any measures implemented to enhance security also respect the person’s dignity. Without making prejudice on access of regular persons visiting service users at the hospital, it is not excessively difficult to keep a stricter watch on the entry and permits of visitors as well as to keep a particular eye on certain hospital open areas where drug abuse can be facilitated. The presence of abusive substances inwards is even more critical,and controls can be alerted by staff in direct contact with the residents. Such problems are indeed created by an absolute minority of service users, and any adopted measures should definitely not compromise the freedom and access to normal practices by the rest of the trusted residents. For sure the ad hoc mixing of residents with different age groups and mental health conditions in the same ward is a precarious factor, especially in those cases triggered by illicit dependencies.

Ensuring that Mt Carmel remains a secure environment is not just a priority—it is an absolute necessity and the right of the users who are there to receive the care that they need. The wellbeing and recovery of clients must not be jeopardised by preventable security lapses. The Mental Health Association will continue to advocate for stringent safeguards that protect those receiving care at this critical institution while upholding their dignity and right.