Malta - Blue Sisters Hospital

Cyril Sladden was a patient at Blue Sisters Hospital, Sliema, Malta, from mid August to mid September 1915 after being wounded at Gallipoli.

Blue Sisters Hospital was the first private hospital to be opened in Malta in 1911.  It was run by the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary (known as Blue Sisters – originating from their distinctive habit which was partially blue).

It served initially as a Seamen’s Hospital but, when in 1915 it became apparent that more hospitals were required to cope with the increasing number of wounded men being sent to the island, the Mother Superior and Nursing Sisters offered their services.  Being a fine, modern building, the offer was gratefully accepted.  A small monetary grant was made and Blue Sisters’ Hospital opened on 6th May 1915 with 50 beds for officers.  The hospital was described as a handsome building with spacious wards and corridors, private rooms, and operating and sterilizing rooms.

The hospital closed in 1980.  It was refurbished in 1991 to serve as a rehabilitation hospital for the elderly.  It is now is a 96-bedded residential nursing home for the elderly, under the auspices of CareMalta.