Minors placed in adult wards at Mt Carmel Hospital

The Opposition's spokesperson for health Marie Louise Coleiro Preca has called on the Commissioner for Children to investigate how minors were place in an adult ward at Mount Carmel Hospital.

"Months ago, Gonzi's government promised that children will no longer be placed with adults and that the Young People's Unit should not be in Mt Carmel. Once again, the Prime Minister has failed to keep his promise," Coleiro Preca said in a statement.

Coleiro Preca said that the situation had degenerated over the past months. She said that thanks to pressure by the Opposition, three minors who had been placed in Male Ward I at MCH had been moved. "History is now repeating itself," she said.

Coleiro Preca said that three boys have been placed in the same ward, with men of all ages: "The situation is worrying for the children - they have not only been placed in an environment which doesn't do them good, but it also affects the quality of care they receive."

She said that the Commissioner for Children should hold an inquiry over the situation, and urged the Commissioner to be "transparent" in the conclusions. Coleiro Preca also called on Parliament's Social Affairs Committee to propose effective measures.

"This disgusting act of irresponsibility towards minors should stop once and for all," she said.