‘Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek’, a residential and semi residential facility is aimed to provide a holistic treatment of patients with eating disorders and weight behavioral problems (Anorexia, Bulimia, uncontrolled eating disorder, Disorders Not Otherwise Specified, Obesity). The residential and semi-residential outpatient structure represents the therapeutic continuation in a protected environment of an acute hospital stay. This treatment can be a viable alternative to prolonged stay in hospital, an environment that is not conducive to prolonged or appropriate rehabilitative intervention in these cases. The length of stay at the residential home will vary from 3 to a maximum of 5 months. The overall objective of the programme of intensive rehabilitation is to begin or continue a course of treatment aimed at interrupting the growth and maintenance factors of the disorder. An important feature of this approach is the high structuring of treatment that allows a correct evaluation of the results and the possibility of directing therapeutic intervention to the specific needs of the patient and his family. A foundation called ‘Fondazzjoni Kenn Għall-Saħħtek’ was set up between the Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF) and the Ministry of Health, Elderly and Community Care to manage and run the residential home ‘Kenn għal Saħħtek’ in Triq Dar il-Kaptan, L-Imtarfa (formerly known as the Sisters’ Quarters) which will provide residential professional and nursing care to all the residents and patients, which property was granted on temporary emphyteusis to the Malta Community Chest Fund (M.C.C.F.). The Foundation is an autonomous body corporate with a distinct legal personality. The Malta Community Chest Fund has been assisted by medical professionals from the Umbria region, who work in the field of treating eating disorders, in setting up Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek residential home. They also provided the expertise required to customise the facility to suit the specialised treatment that will be provided to people with eating disorders and obesity.
