Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Chris Fearne launched Crisis Resolution Home Treatment, a new mental health service in attempt to improve mental health care in the country.

“The stigma around mental health has over the years been evident globally as well as in Malta, having lacked the same resources which is given to other illnesses,” said Fearne during a press conference on Thursday.

People who have been suffering from mental health issues were being sent to isolated institutions and given little attention, he said. “The attitude regarding this matter has changed and will continue to change,” said Fearne.

Crisis Resolution Home Treatment will be a new service whereby professionals can provide mental health care to individuals in their private homes, Fearne stated.

He added that this new team will prevent patients from being admitted to Mount Carmel Hospital against their will, instead providing the immediate support and care in peoples’ homes.

Fearne said that this new system can also reduce cases of suicides, while aiming to remove as many people as possible from Mount Carmel and offer care for individuals while they remain closer to society. He regarded the service as an important initiative led by professionals.

On the refurbishment of Mount Carmel hospital, consultant David Cassar said that there is a scheme in place to better the state of the hospital, to treat the patients with the utmost dignity they deserve. He added that there are 14 teams made up of professionals who are giving care for mental health patients.

The new service will provide support to people in a moment of crisis, he said. He added that the need for mental health care has increased due to the pandemic.