Critically ill Maltese woman gets married in Palermo hospital intensive care

A Maltese woman who is critically ill in a Palermo hospital has married her husband in the intensive care unit.

The Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione (ISMETT) said the woman, identified only as Maria, was flown to Sicily by helicopter a few weeks ago for specialised treatment for severe myocarditis, under a healthcare agreement between the Maltese and Italian authorities.

The small intimate ceremony was held according to safety protocols within the intensive therapy unit. Photo: ISMETT/Facebook

Although already married in a civil ceremony, the “profoundly religious” woman wished to celebrate her marriage with a Catholic rite. The hospital reported that her husband was determined to make that happen “as a gesture of love and hope during such a delicate time”.

ISMETT staff arranged the ceremony in the intensive therapy ward, ensuring a protected environment and full clinical safety.

Maria’s relatives and parish priest travelled from Malta for the intimate occasion, which the hospital described as being held “amid tears, smiles and deep emotion.”

The couple said “I do” in front of a small group of relatives and their parish priest. Photo: ISMETT/Facebook

“It was a great joy for all the staff to see how love can give strength even in the most difficult moments,” ISMETT medical director Cinzia Di Benedetto said. “We are proud to have helped make this wish come true while ensuring maximum clinical safety.”

Maria gave a thumbs-up to signal “I do,” before the newlyweds and their small group of relatives marked the occasion with a specially prepared cake.

Around three per cent of ISMETT’s patients come from abroad under its international patient programme. Maltese citizens can access life-saving treatment at the hospital thanks to the cooperation agreement between Malta and Italy.