Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela, officially inaugurated a new Children, Adolescents and Youth Services (CAYS) Centre in Birkirkara.
CAYS is a modern centre that brings together a wide range of specialist services for the care of children, adolescents and young people under one roof. This facility is now bringing together two previously separate services, the Child Development Assessment Unit (CDAU) and the Child and Young People’s Services (CYPS).
The opening of this centre is leading to strengthened coordination between services, thus families benefiting from easier, more efficient and comprehensive access in one place.
During his visit, Prime Minister Robert Abela toured the facilities of this centre, where he met with professionals and employees, as well as children, adolescents and their families who were benefiting from the services offered.
This centre offers holistic care that addresses both physical and mental health needs. Services offered include neurodevelopmental paediatrics, community paediatrics, child and adolescent psychiatry, psychology and psychotherapy, along with other specialist clinical services such as audiology, ophthalmology, dietetics, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
In addition, CAYS includes a broad team of professionals, including doctors, mental and physical health nurses, social workers, therapists, and other specialized workers who offer support to patients. The facility also includes spaces designed to enhance the experience of those who use this center, such as a quiet room, breastfeeding room, and other spaces adapted to the needs of children and their families.
This investment is in line with the Malta Vision 2050, which is pushing forward increasingly accessible and modern healthcare services. The Vision emphasises the importance of high-quality care, early intervention, prevention, the use of modern health technology and the strengthening of community services, so that the patient and their family are provided with the best possible care and support.
The Prime Minister, together with Minister Jo Etienne Abela, unveiled a commemorative plaque commemorating the official opening of this new centre.
Link to the video: https://we.tl/t-1k2hhLKJ4cmLKHAG
