Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Chris Fearne has officially launched the new mental health services helpline 1579 which will be offering first assistance to people who feel the need to turn to help when they experience mental health problems. This helpline will be receiving calls 24 hours a day and is managed by a group of psychologists specifically trained for this type of service.
“This service is a new link that will join the chain of services offered by the Mental Health Services so that the people who turn to help have a comprehensive and complete service,” said Minister Fearne. He stated that through such a service managed by the health authorities it will be easier for clients to receive a complete service that starts with first aid and continues with crisis resolution home treatment services, services of ‘ mental health in the community or even up to hospital services, depending on the need.
The Deputy Prime Minister also took the opportunity to thank the Richmond Foundation for the similar service they provided to the Government in recent years, until the service offered by the health authorities was established and launched today.
During the same news conference, Minister Fearne referred to the Auditor General’s report on Monte Karmeli Hospital where progress was recorded in the implementation of more than half of the recommendations of the Auditor’s office, including those considered crucial. Minister Fearne welcomed the comments of the Auditor who noted that the leadership of the Mental Health Services has a clear intention to implement the recommendations relating to the structural improvement and the atmosphere of the hospital, with renovation and structural works are carried out in more than half of the hospital’s wards. He thanked all the individuals who led to this improvement while again asserting that the Government has the political will to give the highest priority to this area.
Chairperson of the Mental Health Services, Anton Grech, claimed that this helpline is part of the implementation of the National Strategy for Mental Health. He said that through the help of the professionals of 1579, Maltese and Gozitan citizens can receive first aid immediately, while they will also offer an efficient means of how a person can start receiving more mental health services in -community.
