PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTRY FOR HEALTH Improved digital access for patients at Mount Carmel Hospital

CLiC centre inaugurated, offering secure, supervised access to online services

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health, Ian Borg, inaugurated CLiC, a new technology centre that will provide patients at Mount Carmel Hospital with secure internet access and other essential online services.

CLiC, Connected Living & Inclusion Centre, was developed by staff at Mount Carmel Hospital, inspired by a proposal from President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, through a collaboration between the National Mental Health Services and the Malta Trust Foundation, which is chaired by the President Emeritus. The Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA) also played a crucial role in the project by providing the computers and other equipment that patients will use for safer and more accessible digital connectivity.

Through this centre, patients at the hospital, will now have improved access to digital technologies, under appropriate supervision, enabling them to communicate with their families, manage personal administrative matters online, and develop their digital skills. At the same time, CLiC also provides a dedicated space for clinicians and occupational therapists to deliver training that promotes greater independence and prepares patients for successful reintegration into the community.

During the inauguration, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government's commitment to continue investing in initiatives that improve patients' quality of life, including projects that further strengthen mental health services.

“This space has undergone a complete transformation. What was once an outdated area has now been transformed into a centre that offers new opportunities for all those who will use it in the years ahead. Such initiatives, built on collaboration, make a tangible difference and continue to improve people's quality of life,” said Dr Borg.

President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said that “this centre is a source of great satisfaction for us because it will enable the residents of Mount Carmel to communicate more effectively, come together, and receive valuable training.”

This project builds on a number of other recent investments at Mount Carmel Hospital, including the opening of two new wards over the past few weeks, replacing two older wards that will now also undergo refurbishment. Initiatives such as the CLiC Centre reflect the Government's vision to continue strengthening mental health services through more advanced, inclusive and patient-centred facilities and services, while continuing to invest in initiatives that promote dignity, independence and social inclusion.