President visits Maltese patients in London
Photo: Clifton Fenech, DOI
President and Mrs George Abela have returned to Malta following visits to Maltese patients receiving treatment in London hospitals.
During the week they spent in London, President and Mrs Abela, together with the Maltese delegation, were welcomed by the Franciscan nuns of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Throughout their visit, they were accompanied by Malta's High Commissioner in the UK Joe Zammit Tabona.
They visited the National Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Royal Marsden Hospital and Kings College Hospital. They also visited the Ursuline and Agostinian nuns as well as the Franciscan friars, who provided the Maltese patients with a lot of support.
Dr Abela said that this was the third time he and Mrs Abela were making this visit, which helped them understand the suffering of these patients who had to leave their families to get their treatment.
The patients and their families also suffered financially and lonliness.
Yesterday, President Abela unveiled a commemorative plaque on the occasion of the laying of the first stone on land which the Puttinu Cares Foundation is developing in 12 apartments in Sutton, London to provide free accommodation for patients needing to visit London for treatment.
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Jennie Bouron
Nov 13th 2011, 19:43
Our family are regular visitors to Gozo and have been for about 10 years. My youngest daughter aged 16 who is disabled and a wheelchair user, has been treated at Gt Ormond Street Hospital for the last 14 years and we were at GOSH on Thursday for regular monthly treatment as out-patients whilst the visit was in progress.
As British citizens - and patients - who were sat in the main reception areas of GOSH, we were really really impressed by the President's group, their respectfulness and interest in all areas of GOSH - the smiles, their demeanour and friendliness. I'm sure the young patients and their famlies would have taken great strength from his time with them.
Unfortunately both my daughters have had cause to be admitted to Victoria Hospital during our visits - I hope that the in- patients at VIctoria and indeed are able to benefit from similar visits as were done in London this week.
Well done :)
Joe Diacono
Nov 13th 2011, 09:39
We are indeed blessed with a unique President in every sense of the word.
A President with a purpose, there for all at any time whenever. Down to earth with everyone's interest at heart.
His goal simply to help and be of support to anybody, with a deep care of all that is happening in our little Malta.
A true example to us all on how to always be there for those in need.
stephen koludrovic
Nov 13th 2011, 09:19
Malta is very forunate to have such a man as a president.
M. R. Borg
Nov 13th 2011, 05:58
Well done to Puttinu Cares Foundation for the incredible work they are doing with Cancer Patients! But let us remember that there are many other patients who visit the UK for medical treatment each year, who go through difficult personal, financial and emotive moments and who need support but cannot be supported by Puttinu Cares! Who cares about these persons? It's important that the general public acknowledges that Puttinu Cares Foundation has it's main obligation and main policies towards Cancer Patients. The other patients (and their families) have to learn how to cope in a hard way. Thus, in my opinion, Community Chest Fund shall treat such patients 'differently' from the ones who can have some sort of support through Puttinu Cares Foundation.
Saviour Cachia
Nov 12th 2011, 22:19
Why are we always Maltese gemgem? No comments yet on such a positive gesture and the way the Maltese community in England is strifing to help those very much in need in such difficult circumstances.Well done to Puttinu Cares Foundation and all those involved in this Foundation in their effort to extend a lifeline of hope to our brethens overseas who cannot receive the medical assistance much needed, over here. I am not being negative, I know we are doing great strides to better the health situation in Malta. A few days at Mater Dei will convince all of the dedication shown by the staff towards those who finish up as patients for some reason or other.