Plans filed to replace condemned ward at Mount Carmel Hospital

The Foundation for Medical Services has applied for a permit to demolish one of the most dangerous wards at Mount Carmel Hospital.
Built in 1861, three-quarters of the ceilings at the psychiatric hospital in Attard have been condemned by architects who ordered that patients be moved to the more secure areas, leading to overcrowding in other wards.
Architects had declared rooms in most wards as being unsafe and ordered their immediate closure.
Ward 6 is one of those wards. Scaffolding was being used to support parts of the ceiling at risk of collapse. In some areas, architects instructed workers to install metal support jacks to hold old beams in place.
An application has now been filed to demolish the building, retaining just the façade, and instead build a modern ward with separate rooms, all with ensuite facilities.
The application itself contains few details about the project. However, sources said the proposal was to demolish an existing ward which was beyond structural repair.
Since the building has cultural heritage value, the proposal was to retain the façade and rebuild the interior. The project is part of the government’s plan for the improvement of the hospital.

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