The government has scrapped plans to build a mortuary on the grounds of Karin Grech Hospital as part of the transformation of the hospital into a rehabilitation facility.

The decision had been criticised because the site allocated for the mortuary was right across the road from Hookham Frere Primary School in Pieta'.

"The Mortuary at Mater Dei Hospital is sufficient for the country's needs. The space originally earmarked for the mortuary at Karin Grech is to be utilised for other needs," the government said.

REHABILITATION FACILITY

It said the transfer of patients from Zammit Clapp Hospital to the new rehabilitation facility at Karin Grech Hospital was successfully carried out in the past two days and all forms of rehabilitation care, for people of all ages, were now being carried out at Karin Grech.

As a result of the transfer, services could now be extended and include preventive care, diagnosis and management of all forms of disability or condition.

The Secretariat for Community Care thanked all those involved in the successful transfer of the patients.