Results of investigations on allegations of sexual abuse and physical violence on minors receiving treatment in adult wards at Mount Carmel Hospital published

The Ministry for Health is taking very seriously the results of the investigation it requested following allegations of potential sexual abuse and physical violence on minors receiving treatment in adult wards at Mount Carmel Hospital. In a press release the Ministry said that it will implement the recommendations. This will be done keeping in mind the Commissioner’s comment that the proposals were made by the same Office in earlier discussions with the Mount Carmel Hospital Management over the past 2 years. The Commissioner for Mental Health notes positively that the management is now developing a strategy to provide a more efficient and effective mental health service to children and adolescents. The Commissioner also notes that the investigation called by the ministry, and concluded in 7 days, triggered a review of all cases and resulted in a significant reduction of minors being treated in adult wards. The investigation carried out by the Commissioner for Mental Health finds that the potential for exposure of minors to sexual and/or physical abuse as alleged by MUMN cannot be excluded. Thepresent structure and set up of Young People’s Unit (YPU) is not sufficient to cater for the case mix of adolescents currently requiring admission in a mental health facility. There is general consensus that the treatment of minors in adult wards is not ideal, while noting that there are situations which for reasons of safety for other minors/adoloscents in YPU, care provided on an adult ward could be justified. Such minors are provided with Level 1 supervision. The Ministry for Health considers such conclusions as very serious, and totally unacceptable, and strongly believes that this situation cannot wait any longer to be addressed.