Multi-sensory room to provide relaxing environment for teens at Mt Carmel

The YPU is made up of a multidisciplinary team, including consultants, psychiatrists, doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers and teachers, working to cure adolescents of up to 16 years of age. Galea explained the scope behind the unit is “to provide good-enough care to teenagers so that they could return to community life as quickly as possible.”

The multi-sensory room may host eight patients. Galea said that the room's layout "resembles that of a house; with a small classroom and a full time teacher as well as a full time Learning Support Assistant; a room for occupational therapists; a section with animals and a garden.”

The parliamentary secretary added: “the room hopes to calm the patients, but also to stimulate their senses. Often while handling patients, the youngsters tend to get agitated, which makes professionals aware that the patient will be in need of some time out."

The multi-sensory room is painted white and beige, and the ceiling is a sky-blue colour decorated with star lights, which could be made brighter or more dim as required. There is also relaxing music in the background and a water bubble column.. “The relaxing environment of this room is already bearing fruit,” Galea said.