A 78-year-old resident at St Vincent de Paul home for the elderly was taken to Mater Dei Hospital for treatment after suffering facial injuries.
A carer has been suspended from work by the home management after what was described as an alleged case of abuse by the hospital administration.
Sources told The Malta Independent that the incident took place in the Fatima Ward, with a carer employed at the residence hitting the elderly man after having an argument with him. But a relative of the man in claiming that it was only an accident and no abuse had taken place.
The home administration immediately launched an inquiry and referred the matter to the police.
The carer has been suspended until the police complete their investigation. The home administration said that the home takes such cases seriously and took all the necessary steps to safeguard the security of the residents.
The police confirmed to The Malta Independent that an investigation is underway.