PN MP Mario Galea said in Parliament tonight that 120 elderly persons will be forced to relocate from the geriatric wards at Mt Carmel Hospital, a move which could be to the detriment of their health.

Galea highlighted that the PN, when in government, had introduced geriatric wards at Mt Carmel Hospital, thereby diversifying the hospital, adding that there are around 120 elderly patients there.

He said that the wards were state of the art. He said that there was resistance to this idea at the beginning, but then things changed, adding that some of the elderly patients there had been there for as long as nine years.

He said that he is receiving calls saying that these elderly persons are soon going to be moved to Live Life in Sliema, which is run through a public-private partnership. He said that geriatric consultants were not informed or consulted on the effects on the elderly patients of this move.

He said that nurses weren't consulted either, adding that the decision was taken by the CEO "who doesn't understand as he is an accountant".

"When forcing an elderly person to move, it could cause delirium or mental confusion, and is also a threat to the health of the elderly person," he said while saying that there are studies backing his statements.

He said that their beds in homes become their personal space, a place where they feel comfortable and at home.

This familiar space is important for them, and the less predictable the new environment seems and the less control they have over a move, the more distress it can cause, he said.

He said that these elderly persons are being made to move to a place they do not know.

Quoting studies, said that changing the environment for elderly people increases stress and chance of mental delirium,  and continued  to read that there are also ties to an increase in death rates.

He said that at Mt Carmel Hospital they had trained doctors and nurses 24/7, and that there are psychological consultants who visited regularly. He questioned whether the new home would have 24/7 nurses, adding that qualified nurses employed in the private sector are paid very highly, thus meaning it is costly for the private institution. "Will they have qualified nurses, doctors and consultants?"

"Will these patients have to pay more?"

He asked that before this forced move occurs, the Commissioner for the elderly and the Ombudsman look into this case.