Internal probe found no evidence of abuse - Mt Carmel Hospital CEO

An internal investigation into the alleged abuse of a mentally ill patient had cleared Mount Carmel staff of any wrongdoing, The Times has learnt.

Edward Borg, the chief executive officer of the Attard hospital, confirmed that when an allegation of abuse of a patient was made four years ago, the hospital management carried out an internal "peer review" to look into what had taken place.

He said the doctor who examined the patient declared there were no suspicions of foul play and the injuries sustained were compatible with an accident.

This revelation comes after The Times reported last week that the police were investigating claims of "beatings and ill-treatment" carried out a few years ago at Mount Carmel. Sources confirmed this week that the investigation concerns a number of patients.

However, according to Mr Borg and to Joe Bonello and Paul Pace, the health section secretary and president respectively of the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin and Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, only one patient had allegedly been abused and not several.

Both Mr Bonello and Mr Pace said an internal investigation some years ago had cleared hospital staff of the accusation of abuse concerning this patient.

The hospital's CEO confirmed that the internal investigation had taken place.

But he said that although it ruled out abuse, it did not mean that the patient's relatives may not have lodged a report with the police, who would then start their own investigation.

Sources said the case under investigation - which was described by the police as "serious" - revolved around alleged beatings, extra punishment and degrading treatment. The police are focusing on a prime suspect although the possibility of others having been involved is not being excluded. Two people were detained under arrest for further investigation, although both were eventually released.

Mr Borg explained that the hospital uses a system of "peer review", in which the internal operations are looked at. This system was put in motion following an allegation of abuse made four years ago but there was "no proof to necessitate disciplinary measures according to our code of discipline". The police investigation came to light last week after Mr Pace complained that nurses were locked up when they were held for questioning, describing this as "unacceptable".

But the police insisted that no person in their custody was ill-treated and explained that detaining people under arrest was not out of the ordinary when a serious case like this was being probed.