The President of Malta and Mrs Vella continued their visit in London, where they are meeting Maltese patients who are receiving treatment and care in various hospitals. At the moment, there are 58 patients who are undergoing treatment in London hospitals.

The first hospital they visited was Great Ormond Street Hospital, where children are receiving treatment for cancer, heart conditions, and other emergency cases. The President and Mrs Vella visited these young patients, who since the beginning of this year exceed 40 girls and boys undergoing treatment in this hospital. Chief Executive Officer of this hospital Mat Shaw had words of appreciation for President Vella’s visit, and said that this is a testament of the strong relationship that exists between Malta and the United Kingdom.

In the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, the President and Mrs Vella met Maltese consultant Ludvic Zrinzo, who has been living and working in London for the past 20 years. Mr Zrinzo is one of the specialized consultants in neurology in this hospital, where 30 Maltese patients have received treatment this year. The Maltese consultant said the fact that the President is visitng Maltese patients in London means that they are not forgotten by the country, and that he is looking after them.

Visiting Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, just outside London, the President and Mrs Vella met patients undergoing leukaemia treatment, where from the start of this year amounted some 20 patients, varying from children to adults. Here, they had the opportunity to speak with Maltese doctors and nurses working in this hospital. Consultant Dr Mark Ethell expressed satisfaction for the appreciation Maltese patients are showing, and for the absolute trust they have in the care provided by the doctors and nurses of Royal Marsden hospital.

On his part, President George Vella praised the dedication of surgeons, nurses, and workers of these hospitals. He thanked the efforts all these persons are making every day so that Maltese patients receive the best care possible, and hoping to have a speedy recovery.

The President and Mrs Vella today will meet patients and their families who are currently residing at Puttinu apartments, as well as the premises of the Franciscan Sisters of Sacred Heart of Jesus in London.