Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1491702
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 FEBRUARY 2023 13 HEALTHCARE am proud to say we succeeded. In the case of Mount Carmel Hospital, unfortunately, the big- gest stigma is the place itself. On a national level, as a society, I believe that we have still a long way to go in order to remove barriers which have been built in the past by society and to abolish the stigma there is about mental health. Whether it's a temporary condition or a lifetime diagnosis we need to understand that these don't define a person. I know that Vassallo Group, as a group, has a social conscience that started under the former chairman and is still strong today. But surely, even this project – HILA – was profit driven? One of the reasons I've stayed for so long with this group is in fact that social conscience. What I like about Vassallo Group is that as part of its diversification effort, the group is giving back to society in a way we understand and excel at. We could always opt to develop properties, which would be easier than operating in the elderly care or disability sectors. When I took on this endeavour, I was worried in the beginning since it was not easy but witness- ing every day the results we get with our clients, whether big or small, is a constant inspiration for us to keep working to build more services for a more inclu- sive society. An issue that is often raised is that people with disability should be fully integrated into society even while in care. Was that an option for you? I believe that the reality is that different people have dif- ferent abilities and disabilities and require different solutions in support I believe in as many solutions as possible being of- fered, mainly integration within the community and transitional care. ere are people who can be integrated into society but there are also those who need to be provided with tailor-made services and solutions to func- tion within society. At the end of the day, we cannot force a per- son to be what they are not. e solution cannot be a one-size- fits-all approach. Another reason we have not yet delved into rehabilitative care is the lack of professionals, who would be necessary to ade- quately follow residents rehabil- itated into society. What's next for HILA? is is going to be a busy year for us. We are close to con- cluding another project - Santa Rosa. When I started this sector, I quickly gravitated towards care for children, because there are many services for older people, but fewer options for children as well as adoloscents. It was al- ways my home to separate the residents at Casa Apap Bologna so to focus and specialize even further. And with Santa Rosa, we will do exactly that, as it will offer services to children and ad- olescents . In March, Bjorn will be open- ing his second home in Zebbug. We will be present there, offer- ing care services, but will be ele- vating our input as this will be a bigger property. And finally, we will be focusing on offering services in Gozo. As CareMalta Group, we are not yet present in Gozo and we re- alise that this is a different mar- ket. We have already identified a property and will in fact be leasing the Astra in Victoria. We did a lot of research in Gozo and the probability is that we will be offering different services there than we do in Malta. is is still a long process but hopefully, by the end of 2023, we will look at this project more tangibly. Getting to this point has been a long journey for you. Any regrets? No regrets. I do not regret an- ything I have done in my life, even on a personal level. All my choices have led me to here and now. extended family' I believe that the reality is that different people have different abilities and disabilities and require different solutions in support I believe in as many solutions as possible being offered