The Government of Malta, and Hospice Malta announce an agreement through which €8 million will be provided to Hospice Malta towards the completion of the St Michael Hospice project which will be a first for Malta.

Prime Minister Robert Abela explained that the value of this project is the investment in people.

“Today, we are continuing to invest in people. Everyone knows the physical and emotional pressures that palliative care brings with it. With this project we are trying to alleviate some of these pressures by supporting Hospice’s invaluable work. While the public health system provides an excellent service, this project will change our country’s palliative care from how we know it today”.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Citizenship and Communities, Alex Muscat applauded NDSF for co-financing eight million euro, that will go towards a Palliative Centre administered by Hospice Malta.

Mr Muscat referred to this agreement as a clear example of the Government’s commitment to carry on investing in our communities. Thanks to this co-financing, those in need of palliative care, together with their families, will receive the treatment they are worthy of” said the Parliamentary Secretary. He outlined NDSF’s vision: to contribute towards projects of national importance and assist in initiatives that are in the highest public interest, aimed at improving the health of citizens and helping future generations.

Hospice Malta Chairperson, Bernadette Bonnici Kind, thanked the Prime Minister for this financial support. “Hospice Malta has been providing palliative care services for the past 32 years to patients suffering life limiting conditions due to serious illness. As medical needs continue to increase, Hospice is committed to expand its services to fulfil its supportive role to patients and their families. Currently Hospice care team assists 1300 patients and their families annually. This objective can only be achieved through the building of Hospice premises, St Michael Hospice, which will allow for the expansion of services within the community as well as the introduction of a long awaited In-patient Unit.”

St Michael Hospice will therefore be able to provide a more comprehensive approach. The present-day therapy services will be expanded, and several Out-Patient clinics will also be introduced. St Michael Hospice will also enhance its educational wing which will provide many opportunities to exchange expertise with other Hospices across Europe and beyond.

Hospice Malta has endured an especially challenging year due to the Covid-19 pandemic forcing it to cancel all major fundraising activities since March 2020. As an NGO, Hospice Malta relies on support from government, business community and general public. Those interested in supporting Hospice Malta are encouraged to donate through their website: https://hospicemalta.org/supporting-hospice/donations/

St Michael Hospice project is part funded by EU ERDF. The Day Therapy Unit and Loan Equipment Depository are part financed by the European Social Fund.