Yesterday, the Lieutenant of the Grand Master, Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto, received the Secretary of the Italian Council of Ministers Maria Elena Boschi in the San Giovanni Battista Hospital, Rome. The facility, specialised in neuromotor rehabilitation, is run by the Order of Malta’s Italian Association and the occasion was the inauguration of its new Day Hospital. The hospital’s top management and the Italian Association’s president, Prof. Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, were present.

Addressing the hospital’s doctors, nurses, other staff and managers, the Honourable Boschi expressed her appreciation for their commitment and dedication in treating the patients while paying particular attention to their psychological and emotional needs: “For someone in hospital, affection and attention can change just one day or even an entire life,” said Maria Elena Boschi who had already visited the hospital last year. “I remember I was impressed by the trust the patients had in all of you, and by your capacity for human interaction,” the Secretary continued. She then pointed out the efficacy of the cooperation agreement between the Italian State and the Sovereign Order of Malta, enabling the recent extension of the hospital with the new facility inaugurated yesterday.

“The new Day Hospital testifies to the commitment of our doctors and nurses to Our Lords the Sick and the excellent relations with the Italian State,” asserted Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the two delegations visited the new Day Hospital where the Secretary, accompanied by the Lieutenant of the Grand Master, visited the patients, family members and the medical staff, stopping to have a few words with them.

One of the most important activities in the San Giovanni Battista hospital is the reawakening service, specialized in treating patients with brain injuries in the delicate post-coma stage.