The new Board then elected the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer as following:
The Malta Health network will be affiliated with the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA). Over 100 local, national, regional and European non-governmental (NGOs) and not-for-profit organisations are members of the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA). EPHA membership organisations work individually and collectively to promote and protect the health interests of people living in Europe.
The official launch was addressed by the Hon Minister Louis Deguara from the Ministry of Health, Elderly and Care in the Community. Dr Deguara said that NGOs and patients representatives have a key role in shaping effective health policies since they are close to the service users and are aware of their needs furthermore the minister praised the initiative of the Malta Health Network which can play an important role to enhance the participation of civil society in the development of health national action plans.
The newly elected president of the Malta Health Network, Mr Anthony Guillaumier stated that the Malta Health Network main responsibility is to give a voice to the patients and health service users. The executive committee will be working to develop the necessary systems to allow this. This will mainly be done through the use of focus groups and working groups.
Mr Godfrey Kenely Director Malta Resource Centre (MRC) explained that MRC, which is part of SOS Malta, is providing administrative back up to the Malta Health Network including the provision of a base, facilitation of events, meetings, communication and documentation. MRC provides such back also to European Antipoverty Network Malta and to the National Federation of NGOs of Malta.
August / September 2007:
McDonald’s Happy Meals toys
The Daniel Delicata Memorial Association were the beneficiaries of two large boxes of McDonald’s Happy Meals toys that were donated by the local operators, namely First Foods Franchises Limited of Floriana. One of the boxes was given to the School Dental Clinic of Floriana on the 9th October 2007. The toys will be given as a reward to the young children who brave the dentist’s chair! The other box will be delivered to the Children’s Out-Patient Clinic in St. Luke’s to be used by the doctors who attend this clinic who will give a free toy to the dozens of children who visit every day.
June 2007:
Fairyland Ward Satellite System
Towards the end of the month of May, the association was informed about technical problems with the satellite system of Fairyland ward. Upon checking this out it was found that:
(A) Three satellite decoders went missing. These have not been replaced because of the imminent migration to Mater Dei Hospital.
(B) Two satellite decoders needed repairs-changed main supply.
(C) Rreplaced 12 dvd-players that were beyond repair with new ones.
All this was done in the presence of Mr. Richard Cassar, the new manager appointed for the voluntary services sector within St. Luke's Hospital. Although both Mr Delicata and Mr Cassar agreed that most of these technical problems were caused mainly by negligence, Mr. Delicata gave the approval for maintenance. This pushed the total cost to LM300.
As regards to the missing satellite decoders which were and still are being kept in the staff room of the same ward, the association has been assured that in the future this will always be kept locked to prevent any more losses.
Cancer patients attend Bryan Adams Concert
As in the past years, the Daniel Delicata Memorial Association sent a group of 20 patients and their close relatives (siblings or parents) the the Bryan Adams concert which was held on the 28th June at the Luxol Car Park. Mr. Rennie Zerafa, who is one of their carers, wrote the following comments to Maria:
“dearest maria
first of all thanks for the tickets
The bryan adams concert was great fun for our teenagers. The group of these youngsters enjoyed the experience and they sang and danced throughout the concert... it has put a big smile on their faces and has made them experience three hours of happiness. it also was a great experience to enhance the relationship between them. thank you for your help and generosity as usual.
thanks
rennie zerafa “
The Daniel Delicata Memorial Association wishes to thank the sponsors who wish to remain anonymous.
May 2007:
Vandalism in Children's Wards
Maria Delicata from the Daniel Delicata Memorial Association complained about the vandalism in children’s wards at the hospital. She said a number of sofas ...
Read more :
http://www.mam.org.mt/newsdetail.asp?i=889&c=1
New Vinyl Flooring for Gozo Paediatric Ward
As promised by Steven and Maria Delicata during the initial phase of the refurbishment of the Gozitan paediatric ward, the new vinyl flooring was enhanced by pictures of cartoon characters well known by most children. As these photos illustrate, these caricatures have now been professionally overlaid on the new lyno and have created an even brighter and happier atmosphere.
The DDMA wishes to thank the directors and staff of MPS Ltd of G'Mangia who gave us special prices and carried out the work in a speedy and efficient manner without disrupting the staff and patients of this ward. The total cost of this project cost the association just under LM700.
April 2007:
New Kitchen at YPU Attard
Soon after the Holy Week festivities of 2007, the maintenance workers of Mount Carmel Hospital, started their work in the kitchen of the Young People's Unit in Attard. The kitchen is the second project taken up by the Daniel Delicata Memorial Association within this unit which caters for children with psychological problems.
The association found a benefactor, Mr. Peter Camilleri of PCS Ltd of Marsa who is going to provide all the kitchen units. However it was decided that it would be more fitting if the whole room was redecorated. The first step was re-doing the plumbing and electrical system and now the maintenance personnel are in the finishing phase of putting up new kitchen wall tiles.
A new window will replace the old one and also the entrance door will be given a lick of fresh paint. A more modern colour is also going to be applied to the walls. All items required for these works are being taken from Mount Carmel Hospital supplies. As soon as these works are ready, the DDMA can commence the installation of the kitchen units.
Air-conditioning unit at YPU Attard
Early in the month of April 2007, the DDMA purchased an air-conditioning unit for the Occupational Therapy Room at the Young People's Unit in Attard.
During one of her frequent visits to the unit, Maria Delicata realised that the ceiling fan which was situated in the same room, was of a serious hazard to the children as this was easily accessible if one of the kids stood on a table or chair. Immediately maria made arrangements to order an air-conditioning unit so that the ceiling fan will be removed and this way all danger will be eliminated. As in the past, Mr. Lino Apap of Aplan Limited made special price arrangements and had the unit installed by his employees.
Maintenance service will be carried out on a regular basis by the same company and financed from the association's funds.
Easter 2007
Following last year's initiative, the Daniel Delicata Memorial Association, contacted various food companies with the intention of purchasing goodies for the inhabitants of the Young People's Unit of Attard. However, as happened last year, these same companies were generous enough to donate the goods free of charge.
Mr. Pierre Travers Tauss on behalf of Darrell Lea Foods Limited donated twenty packs of assorted Twistees and other snacks and Mr. Carlos Cluett of Red October Company Limited donated eight large Pernigotti Easter Eggs. Maria Delicata who delivered the items to the unit received hugs and kisses from the children who were going to spend the special day of Easter Sunday in this clinic which becomes a temporary home for them until they are well enough to be joined with their families or legal guardians.
On the other hand, Mr. Patrick Vella, Managing Director of Curtain Raiser Drama Studio, donated a total of thirteen tickets to all the children and carers of the YPU for their fantastic show "A Toy Story" which they had the opportunity to see on Easter Sunday.
Thanks to all these generous benefactors, all the children residing at the Young People's Unit during this Easter could enjoy the festivities and feel special like all other children around the island. The founders and committee members of the DDMA wish to express their gratitude towards these kind souls who understand their goals of making the lives of sick children more cheerful and less painful.
March 2007:
Donation by Water Services Corporation Sports and Social Club
The Water Services Corporation Sports and Social Club was founded five years ago, and last December in the Christmas period a dinner dance was organised to commemorate the fifth anniversary and have some fun like everyone does in that time to the year. Apart from such events and get togethers, the club organizes days for charity and various sports activities throughout the year.
The committee had decided beforehand to organize a raffle in the same event. All money from this raffle and that amounted to LM102 was to go to the Daniel Delicata foundation. The committee members agreed unanimously that the DDMA always does a great job with the money it collects and they felt that they should help in some way. They have assured Steven and Maria Delicata that they will always be on their list of beneficiaries of future fund-raising events.
February 2007:
Poulton’s Print Shop Ltd. organized a fund-raising lottery
As he does every year, Mr. Charles Poulton of Poulton’s Print Shop Ltd. organized a fund-raising lottery, this year in aid of The Daniel Delicata Memorial Association. The lottery was drawn on Friday 9th February at Poulton’s Print Shop offices in Qormi in the presence of 2 officials from the Lotteries & Gaming Authority, as well as Mrs. Maria Delicata co-founder of the association.The winners and prizes are as follows:
First prize: Plasma 42” Television set kindly donated by Forestals Ltd.The winner is Carmel Aquilina with ticket number 245975.
Second prize: 2 nights on bed and breakfast at the Radisson Golden Sands Resort & Spa kindly donated by the Island Hotels Group. The winner is Nadia Bonavia with ticket number 037927.
Third prize: 2 airline tickets return to either London or Paris which were kindly donated by M. Demajo Group of Companies and Poulton’s Print Shop Ltd. The winner is Marco Tanti with ticket number 083251.
Fourth prize: 1 year martial arts membership kindly donated by Masters of Martial Arts, Malta Samurai Federation. The winner is S. Azzopardi with ticket number 059951.
Fifth prize: A beautiful silver frame kindly donated by Vascas. The winner is M. Micallef with ticket number 180174.
Mr. Poulton and Maria and Steven Delicata, founders of The Daniel Delicata Memorial Association would like to express their gratitude to all the sponsors who kindly donated prizes for the lottery because without their generosity the lottery would not have taken place. They would also like to thank each and every person who participated in the lottery by buying the tickets. The presentation of prizes will take place in the near future.
Click here to read the full press release.
December 2006:
Hungarian Clown entertains sick children in Maltese State Hospitals
Children who happened to be convalescing in the paediatric wards of St. Luke’s Hospital during the second week of December were treated to hours of entertainment by Zoltan Voros who is one of the volunteers that work with the Clown Theatre Foundation of Hungary.
The Clown Theater Foundation is a philantropic organization that was started in 1996 in Budapest, Hungary. Their clowns attend one medical unit per week. The members of this organisation are volunteers and the presents handed to the children during their visits are purchased from funds which originate from sponsor’s donations and gifts. Doctors, parents and especially the children expect these visits with great pleasure. According to specialists of hospitals, such performances, help to distract the children positively and therefore improves the healing process.
Mr. Voros and another colleague came all the way from Hungary by invitation of the Malta Feline Guardians Club in order to entertain all the kids present during the cat show that was held in the first week of December. The Clown Theater Foundation is looking for improved possibilities of network connections abroad in order to be able to travel and entertain more children in hospitals all over the world.
It was also their wish to entertain children in hospitals during their stay here in Malta. Members of the MFGC contacted the Daniel Delicata Memorial Association asking whether this would be possible and arrangements were soon made for Mr. Voros and his partner to visit the children in St. Luke’s and the Young People’s Unit of Attard. Both visits proved to be a success. A total of four hours at Disneyland, Fairyland and Wonderland wards were spent with Mr. Voros making the children and their parents smile in spite of the language barrier. Zoli the Clown provided all the children with two or more gifts made from balloons which he created in front of his young audience. Another two busy hours helped distract and brighten the evening of the children of the Young People’s Unit of Attard.
The Daniel Delicata Memorial Association wishes to thank the members of CTF and MFGC for collaborating with them during the festive season that just passed and hence helping make their motto of “improving the quality of life of sick children in hospitals” a reality. It is the wish of the founders and members of the DDMA to have such visits to the children’s wards happening regularly. Anyone who will be willing to volunteer their assistance in this matter is urged to contact Maria Delicata on 21579145, 79408346 or send an email to:
daniels@maltanet.net.
Donation AIM Enterprises Ltd of Ghaxaq
The Daniel Delicata Memorial Association received the generous sum of LM600 from the Directors and staff of AIM Enterprises Limited of Ghaxaq.
Mr. and Mrs. Angelo Mifsud, the directors of the said company decided to allocate the money they usually spend to buy Christmas gifts for their clients towards a charity. Being the parents of five children themselves, they fully empathise with the aim of the Daniel Delicata Memorial Association and wanted to give their contribution this way.
The money will be used to continue the extensive refurbishment programme of the Young People’s Unit of Attard and other ongoing projects.
November 2006 :
Fgura Scouts Group help out at the YPU
The Young People’s Unit benefited from an act of goodwill which was a joint effort of the DDMA and the Fgura Scouts Group. On a sunny Saturday morning, the Delicata family together with a group of 14 year old scouts worked hard by sanding and polishing a wooden climbing-frame which is found in the garden of the YPU. This restoration now enables the young occupiers of this unit to enjoy climbing and playing on this exercise frame. It is planned that the wooden benches which surround this same garden will undergo the same treatment in the near future.
October 2006:
New Flooring for the Gozo General Hospital Paediatric Ward, Gozo General Hospital
Two years ago, the Daniel Delicata Memorial Association completely refurbished the paediatric ward in the Gozo General Hospital. The total expense of LM22,000 covered the following alterations:
- Electricity & water supply
- Air-conditioning
- Television, Play station & DVD by each Bed
- Internet and computers
- 2 playrooms
- White washing with colorful colors
- Picture paintings on the walls
- Curtains
We are now left with the replacing of the lyno-vinyl carpeting . This has been in place for the last 30 years and desperately needs changing. We have ordered 500 square metres of Lyno-vinyl flooring from Forestals Ltd for the cost of Lm10,500. This lyno will include cartoon characters imprinted on the lyno itself to further enhance the ward as being child-friendly.
As not to disturb the young patients in the ward it has been decided (during a meeting held at the Gozo General Hospital) that the lyno will be replaced in two phases as follows:
1st Phase:
Starting date for the installation is Monday 16th October. This should be completed by Friday 20th October, with a contingency plan for the weekend if not yet completed . Forestals are proposing to have a maximum of 6 members of staff laying the Self Leveling Compound & the Vinyl flooring.
2nd Phase:
We are proposing to start the second phase on Monday 30th October to be completed by Friday 3rd October with a contingency plan for the weekend if not yet completed . Again we shall have 6 members of Forestals’ staff laying the Self Leveling Compound & the Vinyl Flooring .
During these phases workers and association members working on this project will be living on Gozo to enable a quicker completion.
September 2006:
New Paediatric Library for nurses in Disneyland Ward
The Daniel Delicata Memorial Association, recently donated a collection of specialized paediatric text-books to the staff of all the Paediatric wards in Karen Grech Hospital for the total value of LM258.00. These books will be accessable to all the nurses who work in Disneyland, Fairyland and Wonderland wards.
The books were chosen by the nurses themselves from specialized medical books distributor Mr. Kekoo A. Modi of Naxxar. Mr. Modi also donated some children’s books as well as a Nelson Textbook of Paediatrics which has a market value of approximately LM90 alone. Mr. Modi was also generous by giving the DDMA special prices where possible.
The association feels that it is important for the nursing staff to keep up to date with the new treatments and cures that have become available, thereby assisting them to give their best to the young patients they care for.
During the summer months, the Daniel Delicata Memorial Association continued assisting the children of the Young People’s Unit by finding benefactors who provided them with free ice-creams and free snacks. The association wishes to take the opportunity to publicly thank Wembley Ice-Creams Ltd., and Consolidated Biscuits Co. Ltd., for their generosity.
The association also wishes to inform the public that it has been given the go-ahead to start the installation of television, dvd’s and satellite equipment in Disneyland ward.
July 2006:
Free boat rides for sick children with OKIKOKI Banis
The first of a series of boat rides was held on Wednesday 26th July for a group of children and carers of the Young People’s Unit. The group of 20 were taken around the Valletta Harbour and the Three Cities and were given a detailed commentary of the historical sites and special machinery that is found when touring these harbours. Mr. Tony Muscat, Director of OKIKOKI Fun Cruises is offering a ride every week for these children and their relatives and carers, free of charge. Pictures of children cannot be published due to Data Protection purposes.
Parents and patients of Wonderland Oncology Ward taken to see Roger Waters Live in Concert
The Daniel Delicata Memorial Association took a group of ten parents and their children who are patients of Wonderland Ward, in St. Luke’s Hospital, to watch the great Roger Waters held on the 10th July at the Luxol Grounds in St. Andrews. Tickets were once more donated free by NnG Promotions. A big thank you goes to the directors of NnG.
Sting Concert
Thanks to the generosity of the Directors of NnG Promotions, the Daniel Delicata Memorial Association, took a group of 12 children and carers from the Young People’s Unit to watch the Sting Broken Tour concert which was held at the Luxol Grounds in St. Andrews on the 6th June 2006.
Fund Raising Buffet, 2nd June 2006
A fund raising buffet dinner was organised by the Msida M.L.P. Club, P.N. Club, Band Club, Msida MUSEUM and others in aid of the association and Amanda Attard. The money collected will go towards Amanda's plight as well as the purchase of computers and internet service for the Disneyland ward.
Beauty treatments for mothers of sick children
It is a well known fact that the parents of sick children go through a great deal of tension and stress when caring for their special children. For this reason, the association with the assistance and generosity of Mrs. Sharon Warrington – Managing Director of International School of Beauty – are offering free beauty treatments to mothers of children who are on long-term treatment.
May 2006:
Special Box Collection by Djakonija Tfal Sacro Cuor, Sliema
A donation of Lm140 was made by the Djakonija Tfal Sacro Cuor, Sliema. The money was collected during lent by the children who abstained from buying sweets and instead put in the money they would have spent in a special box. The money was presented presentation on Sunday 7th May at the Sacro Cuor church in Sliema.
Relax Armchairs Repaired
Twenty Relax Armchairs placed in the pediatric wards for use by patients' parents and visitors have been repaired after damage, some cases rather severe, was found. Steve and Maria, on behalf of the association and all those parents of goodwill appealed to the public to look after the hospital's facilities so others can enjoy them too.
Kitchenette in SCBU Parents' Room
A new kitchenette was recently installed in the SCBU for use by the parents and guardians of patients. The work was done by Fava Woodworks at a special reduced price. The curtains and kitchen utensils and accessories will be included soon.
April 2006:
Easter Saturday Entertainment
The Curtain Raiser Theatre Group through the intervention of its director Mr Patrick Vella provided humorous entertainment to the young patient in the Disneyland, Fairland and Wonderland wards. Actors went round all the wards with puppets and marionettes and sang and talked to the children.
Figolli and Easter Eggs for the Young People's Unit
The children of the Young People’s Unit were given a special Easter treat by the Daniel Delicata Memorial Association thanks to a generous donation of Easter Eggs and Figolli by the Directors of Golden Harvest Co. Ltd., of Gzira. Recently when visiting the unit Maria Delicata found out that eight children would be spending the Easter weekend in the unit. She decided that she wanted these children to feel like all the other children who will be receiving Figolli and Easter Eggs from their loved ones, and so she contacted Mrs. Dorielle Cordina, one of the directors of Golden Harvest Co. Ltd., asking her to give these children a special treat. Although the association was ready to cover the costs of these confectioneries, the Directors of Golden Harvest Co. Ltd., immediately took up our request and donated everything free of charge. Photos cannot be supplied for Data Protection purposes.
New Items for the Fairyland and Disneyland Wards
Young patients at the Fairyland Ward can now use a Dell computer and two laptops bought with money collected last year from an exhibition organised by the Malta Labour Party club in conjunction with various clubs in Msida as well as from money collected from the Msida Primary School. The computer hardware was purchased at a special price from Intercomp Limited.
A set of chairs was purchased by the association and given to Disneyland ward to be placed next to each bed. These will be used by relatives and visitors when visiting patients. The items were purchased from Oxford House at a discounted price.
A new lino now covers the floor at the Dinseyland ward. This was installed thanks to funds received from Mr. Dorian Pisani and Attard & Co. Mr. Pisani happened to visit the ward some months ago due to his child being there. After seeing the work carried out but the association he offered to cover the costs of the new flooring.
Although the playroom was covered with shock-proof tiles, these were causing hygiene problems and were proving to be difficult for the cleaners to keep very clean. Mr. Pisani offered his personal company allowance of Lm300 which covered the expenses of the cleaning of the old shock-proof tiling and the new lino.
Moreover a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows was also purchased with the money left over from the lino.
December 2005:
Internet for Fairyland
The Daniel Delicata Memorial Association has assured that a bed-side Internet service for the young patients at the Fairyland ward is provided. This was only made possible through the generous interventions of three private and public organizations including the Malta Information Technology and Training Services (MITTS Ltd) that supplied all the equipment necessary to install a local area network in the ward as well as providing an ongoing Internet service at no cost, EDI Systems limited that carried out all cabling and installation works for free and Intercomp limited that supplied the PCs and laptop computers at very favorable prices. The association would also like to thank Mr Geoffrey Sciberras and Mr Reuben Camilleri of MITTS Ltd for their sterling work in overseeing the design and installation of the network as well as their role in engaging support for the project.
DHL Malta for Disneyland Ward
Mr. Glen Scowen on behalf of the Directors and Staff at DHL Malta donated LM250 that will be used to purchase four Playstation 2 games for the Disneyland Ward.
Upgrade satellite service in the Fairyland Ward -
The satellite service installed in the Fairyland Ward by the association has been upgraded giving the young patients a wider selection of educational and entertainment programmes from which to choose.
Educational PC and Printer
An educational HP PC and printer was donated to the ward in a kind Christmas gesture by Master Andrea Cassar from Birkirkara. Thank you.
October 2005:
New bedrooms for the Youth Psychiatric Unit, Mount Carmel Hospital -
Another project successfully completed by the association. The bedrooms at the YPU were refurbished. These included the installation of new wardrobes, headboards and bedside tables all purchased from Fava Woodworks at a greatly reduced price. A brand-new 22" T.V. set for use by the unit's young patients was also donated. The association's next project in the YPU will include the installation of a new kitchen to replace the current one that is now very old and ugly. Funds for this project were obtained from the LM3,000 collected from the 2004 Voices Concert.
September 2005:
CreatiVenergy Kids' Club donate Playstation Kit -
CreatiVenergy Kids' Club a summer school for children from 4 years up to 12 years asked its young students to think of other unfortunate children while having fun. The children donated some of their pocket money and together collected Lm80 which they presented to the association in the form of a Playstation 2 Kit. The presentation followed a smallconcert by the children. The console will be put in Fairyland ward.
Daniel's Memorial Mass -
A mass in memory of Daniel was held at San Martin Chapel in Wardija.
Stolen game console replaced -
Microsoft Malta Limited has donated an Xbox console and a collection of games to the Daniel Delicata Memorial Association to replace the console that recently disappeared from a playroom at St Luke's Hospital's Disneyland ward for children. The donation was made to Steven Delicata, president of the association. Pierre Mallia, business development manager for Microsoft Malta said: "We are delighted to make this donation which will contribute towards the enhancement of the children's wards in hospital... The association is working towards a great cause and one which Microsoft is pleased to be able to support."
August 2005:
Prime Minister visits the refurbished Fairyland Ward -
Thursday 11th August, The Hon. Dr Lawrence Gonzi, Prime Minister of Malta accompanied by The Hon. Dr Louis Deguara, Minister of Health visited the Fairyland ward at St Luke's hospital where he saw the improvements brought about by the association in cooperation with numerous volunteers and public and private sector concerns. In a speech given for occasion the Prime Minister praised the work of the association and the hospital staff for their collaboration and augured that this will serve as model for future initiatives. Mr Steve Delicata, association president, thanked all those people, businesses and other entities for their generous and pain staking efforts in making the refurbishment and installation of comfort, entertainment and educational items for the benefit of the ward's little patients and their guardians possible. These include the redecoration of the ward in bright lively colours, new soft furnishings, murals, comfort armchairs, T.V. sets and DVD players, Sony Playstation consoles and the imminent installation of a network and PCs for free bedside internet access. Mr Delicata declared his ambition to provide real-time video links to classrooms for the benefit of long term patients. He also appealed to the public to look after the equipment provided and concluded by asking the Government to review its position on value-added-tax with regards to voluntary and charitable institutions. The Prime Minister expressed his support for innovative facilities such as classroom to bedside video links and stated the Government's intention to review the law regarding voluntary and charitable bodies including current VAT regulations in their regard.
March 2005:
New portrait of Daniel - After seeing a picture of Daniel in a local newspaper Mr. Anthony Xuereb was so impressed with Daniel's eyes that he decided to draw his own picture of Daniel. The result was a lovely portrait which Mr Xuereb donated to the Delicatas and is now in a prominent place in their home.
December 2004:
Gozo Pediatric Ward Reopens - After months of hard work by the association and other volunteers the Gozo Hospital Pediatric Ward has been refurbished and reopened by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Dr Edward Fenech Adami in a ceremony fitting of such an accomplishment. The refurbishment project included a total revamp of all the essential utilities including the electrical and plumbing systems, installation of an air-conditioning system, a computer and internet service and cable TV. Infrastructure works included rendering of walls and permanent fittings in bright and child-friendly colours, painting of murals and hanging of new curtains. The children's playroom was also revamped and is now packed with brand-new toys just waiting to be played with. More details in the near future.
November 2004:
Gozo Pediatric Ward - The association has embarked on a project to refurbish the children's ward at the Gozo General Hospital. In the first phase, the old electrical and plumbing systems were replaced with new ones. This will enable the systems to take the heavier loads as new services are installed including an air-conditioning system, a computer and internet service and cable TV. The hot and cold water systems were also upgraded. All infrastructural works were carried out by the hospital staff. Once this phase was completed a number of association volunteers together with committee members and hospital staff moved in to plaster and decorate the walls in child-friendly colours. This went on for a straight ten days each day commencing at 08:30 in the morning and ending well into the late evening. At the end of it the volunteers but more so Steve and Maria were thoroughly exhausted, but satisfied!. The next step will be to install new soft furnishings, TV sets, computers and paint colourful murals to complement the revamped children's playroom. Watch this space for more details.
October 2004:
SCBU - the parents' relax-room has been created out of an old storage room. A dividing gypsum wall was built and parquet flooring installed. The room has been freshly painted and furnished with brand new 3-seater and 2-seater sofas. The room will be enhanced further with the installation of a television set, a book library, refreshment facilities and cupboards.
New Breastfeeding Walk-In Clinic. This clinic was the idea of the Midwifery management in Karen Grech Hospital and is aimed for those new mothers who are facing difficulties or need assistance to breast-feed their new-born children. Although the Health Department approved the idea of the walk-in clinic, the funds to equip it proved to be a problem so the Daniel Delicata Memorial Association were approached in the hope that they could provide what was needed. As the clinic is directly related to the good health of young children which is the result of good breastfeeding, the association committee decided to approve this project and took it on. The first works to be commenced were the painting of the room as well as the implementation of soft furnishings. Other requests made for this room include armless chairs for the mothers, soft pillows and nursing pillows, accessories for heavy duty breast pumps, a nappy changer as well as a washing machine for washing the clothes of babies of drug-abusing mothers who are dependant on methadone. (These babies need long term treatment at the post-natal ward). The official opening of this ward is scheduled for the 11th October 2004.
August 2004 - 15 airconditioning units purchased in May 2004 have been installed in the Disneyland Ward. This was finally possible after the authorities supplied the required electrical power. Whilst the association is disappointed that the young patients have missed out on precious cooling for most of the summer this will not be the case in the summer of 2005.
May 2004 - Commencement of new "Mother's Prayers" meetings in all paediatric wards including SCBU. Volunteers visit the wards on a weekly or fortnightly basis offering moral support to mothers of sick children by praying together. The volunteers already form part of this international group which is acknowledged by the Catholic church. Anyone wishing to help is asked to contact Maria Delicata on the numbers given on this website or Mireille Pellegrini Petit on 21377587/99856688.
April 2004 – Donation of new Paystation 2 game console to the Fairyland Ward.
January - February 2004:
Installation of electrical insectocutors in Disneyland Ward.
Commencement of new parents' relax-room in the SCBU in collaboration with Home Direct Ltd and Xuereb Installations. This project is being televised on "118" every Thursday at 6.00pm on Net TV (
www.thehomeassistant.com/118).
First general meetings with Gozo General Hospital superintendent and his staff to plan and discuss the refurbishment project of the paediatric ward. For more details see our special
Gozo Diaries.
December 2003:
Donation of Playstation 2 game consoles, kindly donated by Forestals Appliances Ltd, to the Disneyland Ward.
Purchase of 15 catering quality electrical insertocutors (insect killers) worth LM500.25, for the Disneyland Ward.
September 2003 – Purchase and installation of brand new air-conditioning units is well underway with only a few remaining units in hospital areas awaiting the provision of an adequate power supply.
August 2003 – Donation of brand new electric steamer to be used for cleaning curtains, toys and play-area in Disneyland ward.
June and July 2003 :
Commencement of new play-teacher volunteer program for all the wards including the Childrens Outpatient Department.
In-house bedside entertainment by balloon artist Robert Ellul held every Wednesday between 1.30pm and 3.30pm in all the wards.
Commencement of outside entertainment by Tony Muscat (OKIKOKI) who, throughout the summer months, is taking all recommended out-patients on a harbour cruise every other Thursday from 5.00pm till 7.00pm.
Commencement of in-house bedside entertainment program with the help of which all patients will have the opportunity to be visited by local artists and personalities. So far Brian and James Bondin from Xarabank, Alfred Zammit and Salvu Maxtar from Kalamita and DJ/impersonator Gianni Zammit. Children are encouraged to make their requests while they are in hospitalization to meet any of their idols and the DDMA will do its utmost to make their wish come true.
Donation of brand new Little Tikes Playground complete with shock-proof flooring and wall-protection in Disneyland ward.
Donation of 65 brand new toy-boxes which have been put under each bed for storage of toys and games which the association will be providing soon.
Donation of reading books and stationery items to Disneyland and Fairyland wards.
May 2003 – Donation of 50 picture frames to be hung in all the rooms.
April 2003 – Donation of 65 relax armchairs for all the beds to Disneyland and Fairyland Wards and the SCBU in St. Lukes Hospital and to the single paediatric ward in the Gozo General Hospital.
January 2003 – Donation of Catering Food Processor/Liquidiser to Disneyland ward.
During this time, the association contacted the person in charge of the catering of the childrens’ wards with a proposal to change the daily menu to a more child-friendly one.
Christmas 2002 – Donation of Christmas decorations for all the pediatric wards.
13th December 2002 – Refurbishment project in Disneyland Ward which included:
- Stripping, sanding, plastering and finally painting all the walls and windows and doors of this 34 bedded ward.
- Purchasing, making and putting up new curtains for all the rooms.
- Painting of murals with colourful cartoon and T.V. characters on all the corridor walls and entrance.
- Removing old and putting up new aluminium bumpers along the corridor.
Part-painting of corridor walls and detailed pencil murals were done in Fairyland Ward during the same period.