An investigation carried out by the Commissioner for Mental Health has found that the potential for exposure of children to sexual and/or physical abuse at Mount Carmel Hospital, as alleged by the nurses’ union “cannot be excluded”.

The results of the investigation were released a week after the union made its claims.

The Health Ministry said it was taking the matter “very seriously” and would be implementing the report’s recommendations, which include the need to set up a national policy to tackle the issue of vulnerable children with challenging behaviour.

The Commissioner noted that hospital management was now developing a strategy to provide a more efficient and effective mental health service to children and adolescents.

As a result of the new report, a review of all cases is being carried out, leading to a significant reduction of minors being treated in adult wards.

“The present structure and set up of the Young People’s Unit is not sufficient to cater for the case mix of adolescents currently requiring admission in a mental health facility.

“There is general consensus that the treatment of minors in adult wards is not ideal,” the Commissioner said.

The Health Ministry said the minister has twice met children and adolescents, together with their health care multi-disciplinary team professionals.

The Health Ministry, together with the Ministry for Education and Employment and the Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity, has also set up a core group of four experts to draw up a holistic approach in the speciality of children and adolescents with challenging behaviour.

The ministry has embarked on a project headed by Prof. Angela Abela, which will see the construction of new adequate facilities for this specific niche of healthcare.