Emergency Room Becomes Safer for Children With Autism Through Mater Dei’s New Multisensory Space

A new multisensory space is being build in Mater Dei Emergency Department that aims to make hospital visits a calmer and safer environment for children with autism and sensory processing difficulties.

The initiative, made possible by a €45,000 donation from the Chinese Embassy in Malta, seeks to reduce the stress caused by noise, lighting and unfamiliar surroundings, which can make hospital visits particularly difficult for children with sensory issues.

Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg said the project would help create a more inclusive healthcare service that responds to individual needs. The room will initially be introduced within the existing Emergency Department, before being incorporated into larger plans to expand the entire department.

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Zuo described healthcare as an important area of cooperation between Malta and China and expressed hope that the initiative would benefit children and families.

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Photo Source: DOI, Daniel Scicluna