President Myriam Spiteri Debono has visited a three-year-old Maltese girl receiving treatment for a serious medical condition at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.The young girl has been undergoing specialised treatment in the UK for around three months, with doctors expecting her to remain there for several more months.During Thursday morning’s visit, the President met the child’s parents and young brother, who have accompanied her to London throughout her treatment.The visit highlighted the challenges faced by Maltese families who must spend extended periods abroad while their loved ones receive medical care.Spiteri Debono stressed the importance of organisations such as the Malta Community Chest Fund, which provide assistance not only to patients but also to relatives who often have to leave their everyday lives behind.The President also visited the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus, who accommodate Maltese patients and their families in London.There are currently 40 Maltese patients in the UK who have been discharged from hospital but are still unable to return home, as they require further medical appointments, consultations and tests.During her visit, the President spoke with patients and relatives about their experiences, alongside representatives of the Augustinian Sisters, who also provide accommodation to Maltese families.She was accompanied by Health Minister Ian Borg, Malta’s High Commissioner to the UK Professor Stephen Montefort, and officials from the Malta Community Chest Fund.The President’s visit to London will conclude on Friday, when she is expected to meet Maltese patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton and visit families staying in Puttinu Cares apartments.•