The children's emergency ward at Mater Dei Hospital will open around Christmas time, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne said today.

The Parliamentary Secretary, along with the American Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, were visiting the A&E ward at Mater Dei Hospital to see a mural painted by Damien Perdue, a Chicago graffiti muralist who completed a three-week programme in Malta.

The children's ward will host five cubicles, and the nurses will receive special training. Mr Fearne said that a call for a child consultant is also being considered.

The mural is still being painted, and will cover the reception areas as well as the cubicles themselves. Mr Perdue explained the concept behind the design, which represents diversity and aims to lift the spirits of all those who enter. The mural is also being painted by University of Malta and MCAST student teachers of the arts.

The ambassador said she hoped that the mural will bring cheer to those who have to spend some time there.

While in Malta, Mr Perdue painter three murals - one at the University of Malta Cottonera Resource Centre/St Margaret College, one at the Gozo college Secondary School and the one at the A&E ward.

He also held workshops for students, teaching artistic skills to kids and youths of various ages.

Some of the students painting the mural are Abigail Attard, Sharon Mc Lean, Lara Gove' and Daniel Gauci.