The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses has raised serious concerns over the newly refurbished Block 1 ward at Mount Carmel Hospital, which was inaugurated today by Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela.In a statement, MUMN claimed nurses had repeatedly warned hospital management and the Health Ministry about alleged safety risks linked to the ward’s adjoining therapeutic garden.According to the union, nursing staff argued the area could make it easier for vulnerable patients to escape supervision or potentially attempt self-harm without immediate intervention. Concerns were also raised about the height of surrounding walls, which the union described as low enough for patients to escape easily.MUMN said several reports and emails had allegedly been sent to management and health and safety officials but claimed no action or official replies were provided.The union also alleged the therapeutic garden had not yet been officially certified as safe for patient use before today’s inauguration.MUMN said some nurses are now refusing to take patients into the refurbished ward due to fears that any future incident could expose staff to legal consequences.The union added it plans to formally write to the Advocate General regarding what it described as a hazardous situation at the facility.What do you make of these concerns?•