St Michael Hospice in Santa Venera was inaugurated on Sunday, enabling Hospice Malta to expand its dedicated palliative services to over 1,500 patients annually, a statement by the Archdiocese on Malta read.
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said that this facility has been launched with an investment of around €9 million from the National Development and Social Fund as well as European funds. It said that the complex offers a number of services, including psycho-therapy.
In this complex, the OPM said, training will be provided to professionals in the field of palliative care. It said that the comprehensive services which will be provided will be enjoyed by people who no longer receive treatment in hospitals and cannot live in their residences. It continued that there is also an accessible garden, which offers serenity to patients and their families during a delicate phase in their lives.
Myriam Spiteri Debono, the President of Malta, spoke at the inauguration of the facility and said that the values of the Maltese people are vibrant and showcased by the St Michael Hospice. She said that all the families of those being cared for at the facility can find some solace.
She said that the dignity of those who are sick has always been held high by Hospice Malta. “This is very important, because those who are sick may even start feeling that they are a weight on those around them or feel that they are ready to be discarded.” The President said that it is important to have empathy and do what one can by listening and helping.
The President said that palliative care is multidisciplinary care, as it includes various aspects aside from medical care. She remarked that this project is being inaugurated at an opportune time to put a focus on palliative care, as she added that there may not be enough information in general about palliative care. “It is important that the people understand the meaning and scope of palliative care and where it can lead to,” she said.
Speaking at the inauguration, Prime Minister Robert Abela said that non-governmental organisations will continue to find a shoulder to lean on from the government for carrying out projects of benefit to society. He also said that the work of Hospice Malta is important and resonates with many families. The Prime Minister said that the country’s strong economic situation must continue to be of benefit to social projects such as that of Hospice Malta.
“The Malta that I believe in is a Malta that respects and shows love. A Malta where every family is important and is a shoulder in the face of challenging moments. In the moment of need, I assure those families that they will continue to find a Government behind them and with them to give help”, said the Prime Minister. He added that non-governmental organisations should continue to find in the Government an important partner to fulfil their dreams in favour of society.
The Prime Minister noted that beyond funding, this project recognizes that a person deserves emotional support in a calm environment that respects all stages of the person’s life.
Abela noted how this investment was also the fruit of joint work between the State and the Archdiocese of Malta.
The Archdiocese of Malta, in a separate statement, said that this is a milestone for Hospice Malta, which first opened its doors in 1989, and will enhance palliative care in Malta through its expanded community services, improved facilities, for day therapy and inpatient services, as well as educational facilities. St Michael Hospice covers an area of 11,000 square meters across two floors, complemented by an additional 6,800 square meters of gardens. Over 60 per cent of the property has been preserved as gardens or open spaces, ensuring a serene environment to benefit palliative care residents and their families, the Archdiocese said.
“In 2016, during the Jubilee Year of Mercy, the Archdiocese of Malta decided to promote a specific work of mercy that responded to a pressing need: dignified end-of-life services to those who need palliative care. To this end, Hospice Malta was engaged as a natural and competent partner. Then, in 2018, the Archdiocese handed over the Cini Institute on a 50-year commodatum agreement (gratuitous loan) to Hospice Malta,” the Archdiocese said. “Over the years, this project has also been possible through the support of the Government of Malta, NDSF, EU funds, Project Green, banks, foundations, the business community, and individual benefactors,” it said.
During the inauguration, Archbishop Scicluna extended the Church in Malta’s heartfelt congratulations to Hospice Malta.
“It is with great satisfaction that we witness the transformation of the Cini Institute building, entrusted by the Church to Hospice, into a warm and welcoming space dedicated to providing essential palliative care services. These services are a profound expression of compassion, as they uphold and safeguard the dignity of the human person during one of life’s most sensitive and meaningful moments-when individuals are invited to reflect on the true essence of life and recognise its priceless value,” the Archbishop said.
Hospice Malta Chairperson, Bernadette Bonnici Kind said “the opening of St Michael Hospice represents the fulfilment of a long-held dream and will continue to stand as a beacon of quality care for those requiring palliative support.”
She thanked all benefactors, including the Maltese and Gozitan public, whose contributions helped make this vision a reality. She emphasised that while the inauguration marked a significant achievement, continued support was essential for the ongoing operations of the Hospice.
