A 17-year-old care worker with a history of mental health problems, has been suspended from her job at St Vincent de Paule after mixing hypodermic needles with the food of an elderly patient.

Prosecuting officer Spiridione Zammit informed the court that the girl had been receiving psychiatric care and suffered trauma after being abused at the age of 16, in a case which is currently being heard in court.

The girl pleaded guilty to consciously mixing the needles with the food and attempting to cause grievous injury to an 84-year-old patient.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli ordered a pre-sentencing report to determine the accused's condition before deciding what treatment she should be placed under and granted her bail, ordering her not to approach her place of work.

Lawyer Simon Micallef Stafrace appeared for the accused.

In a statement, the government said St Vincent de Paul administration was informed of the case yesterday. It said it was reassuring that the hospital had efficient mechanisms which identified abuse and enabled action to be taken.

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