Commissioner finds potential for children's exposure to abuse at Mt Carmel Hospital

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 Mt Carmel Hospital, as alleged by the MUMN 'cannot be excluded.' The results of the investigation were issued a week after the union made its claims. The Ministry for Health said it was taking the matter very seriously and would be implementing the report recommendations.   The Commissioner noted that the 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 Young People’s Unit (YPU) 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 Health Minister has twice met children and adolescents, together with their health care multi-disciplinary team...