Following extensive renovation works, the St Francis 2 ward within the St Vincent de Paul Residence has reopened its doors to 30 elderly residents, both men and women.

Meanwhile, works are still underway on the St Francis 1 ward, which are expected to be completed in the coming weeks, a government statement said.

Once finished, both wards will be able to welcome elderly residents into a new, comfortable environment tailored to their needs.

Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Malcolm Paul Agius Galea along with the CEO of St Vincent de Paul Jorgen Souness  visited the ward and met with the residents. They thanked the entire team for their work in creating more modern care and accommodation spaces.

"This is not only an infrastructural investment, but also a clear step toward a more personalised, humane, and sensitive care model that responds to each resident's individual needs. We believe that a clean, safe, and functional environment makes a real difference in the quality of life of our elderly," Agius Galea said.

This two-ward project, involving an expenditure of €1.6 million, was designed to enhance the comfort and quality of life of the elderly residents.

Improvements included new common areas, larger rooms with more natural light, upgraded water and drainage systems, new air conditioning and ventilation systems, and a medical oxygen system installed in every room.

Each resident also has access to a private and accessible bathroom.

Works on the SF1 ward are in their final stages, including painting, vinyl flooring installation, and completion of electrical and plumbing systems.

With this project, St Vincent de Paul will continue to improve the quality of care and give its facilities a more modern and functional look, with a vision that upholds dignity, wellbeing, and independence for the elderly, the statement said.