A “top quality” prosthetic and orthotic service is to be provided in Malta, following a partnership between VGH and MCOP, the contracting provider for the Walter Reed Military Hospital in the USA.

In a joint statement, the Health Ministry and Vitals Global Healthcare, said that the Medical Centre O&P is a leading prosthetic company, serving amputees who seek to maximise their potential and minimise the complications associated with wearing a prosthesis.

“Although best- known for their work providing lower limb prosthetics to wounded soldiers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre, the company also provides services and care to civilian amputees across the USA.”

The statement went on to say that the current service in Malta till now has been run by a single local prosthetist, together with a group of technicians and Allied Health professionals, and is supported through a contracted third party which provides artificial limbs.

“A foreign prosthetist from the group comes over every six weeks for a two-week period to assess new patients, supply limbs, and review problems,” explained CEO of Karin Grech Hospital Dr Stephen Zammit.

“Patients have to wait for these visits to have their needs addressed, and four weeks can be a very long time for someone needing adjustments to a limb. Additionally, the quality of limbs currently stocked by the supplier are of a basic standard which is not where we would like them to be,” added Dr Zammit.

“MCOP is a worldwide-recognised company known for the quality of services provided. Not only will Maltese amputee patients receive much better devices, but they will also have continuous and undisrupted care,” said Dr Zammit

Head of Operations of MCOP Ian Fothergill explained, “our plan is to develop an individual care plan for each and every patient where we will assess the local amputee community in its entirety, and replace all devices that are below standard. This will be at not added cost to the patient, i.e. the service will remain free of charge.”

According to the statement, “staffing will be increased, with more professionals being available to take care of our patients. Patients will gain by having a continuous six day service week in week out, and complaints seen within 48 hours.”

Necessary training to local staff will also be provided by MCOP, to further develop the skillset of local workers in the department. Dr Zammit explained that devices will now be produced in Malta, also saving time in production and shipping from abroad.

“Significant investment will be made to the workshop and patient areas, which at the moment are completely substandard, in order to create an environment suitable to work and receive care,” added Dr Zammit.

Minister for Health Chris Fearne expressed his satisfaction for this joint venture during a meeting with VGH and MCOP.

He said that “this is a tangible improvement to the service that ensures better care to all amputees needing prosthetics and orthotics. The department this government inherited in 2013 was in a total state of abandonment, not suitable to serve the Maltese community.”

“This agreement ensures an all-round better service, complimentary to our other efforts at improving the overall health service across the Maltese Islands. Maltese amputees will start to receive a much better service, provided by one of the most prestigious names in the sector,” said Minister Fearne.

All amputees in Gozo and Malta will be assessed in the following months, and provided with a care plan to suit their individual needs. “This will ensure a smooth transition for patients, with devices supplied from the current supplier and MCOP,” explained the Minister.

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