Psychiatric services in Gozo - 1994

Abstract

Gozo has a population of 24,000 on an island one fourth the size of Malta. Composed of small towns and villages, the rural flavour remains strong and the island boasts a well-knit family and social network. Heavy emigration of youth in previous years has led to a high percentage of elderly. Now, returning migrants bring back parts of the cultures of other countries. Although small it has its psychiatric needs. In 1934 Fort Chambrai was commissioned as a psychiatric hospital and served as such for forty-nine years. At its peak it had about two hundred patients amongst whom were Maltese without strong family ties and refugees. In 1983, Chambrai hospital was closed down and patients moved to the previous hospital for infectious disease in Xewkija or "Lazzarett" as it is still known locally.