An agreement was signed yesterday between the Foundation for Medical Services and the Malta College for Arts, Science and Technology, for students to create 615 artistic pieces to be used in a number of areas at Mater Dei Hospital.

The use of art and colour is an integral element in the general environment at the new hospital, but the artistic pieces will not simply serve a decorative purpose, since scientific research shows that art has a therapeutic effect on patients. It transmits positive emotions and relieves tension, thus helping patients to make a better recovery with less stress.

For this reason, a number of art pieces will decorate the common parts in patient areas at Mater Dei Hospital.

About 50 students and a number of lecturers from MCAST’s Institute of Art and Design will be working on the art pieces, according to themes established by the Mater Dei Healing Arts Committee, chaired by President Emeritus Ugo Mifsud Bonnici.

In a speech at the ceremony yesterday, parliamentary secretary in the Finance Ministry Tonio Fenech, who presided over the signing agreement ceremony, said 1 July will mark the beginning of a new era in the provision of health care services in the country.

“Citizens deserve the best. This is a wise investment in the health care of Maltese and Gozitan families,” he said.

The agreement was signed by FMS president Paul Camilleri and MCAST principle Frank Edwards, in the presence of Mr Fenech.