At Simblija Care Home, our priority is to provide care that is safe, coordinated, and truly centred around each resident. This is why our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) plays such an essential role. By bringing together professionals from different areas of expertise, our MDT ensures that every resident’s wellbeing is approached holistically, with thoughtful decision-making and personalised planning at every stage.
Our MDT meetings take place monthly and include our Head of Care, Marija Cekic, Dr Bonello, two GPs, and the team leader. During these meetings, we review residents who have been referred for assessment to ensure that their care plans remain comprehensive, up to date, and reflective of their individual needs. After each review, we outline clear next steps and communicate these directly with families, keeping them informed and involved.
Additional specialists, such as an Occupational Therapist (OT), Podiatrist, Tissue Viability Nurse (TVN), Nutritionist, or Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP)—are invited to contribute whenever their expertise is needed. This collaborative approach ensures that residents receive well-rounded, professional support aimed at maintaining their comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
Specialist Nurse
Corinne Scicluna is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Malta and a leading figure in specialist nursing and wound care. She coordinated Malta’s first Master’s programme in specialist nursing pathways, including Skin and Wound Care, and was the country’s first Tissue Viability Specialist Nurse, helping to establish this essential service. She is also the founder and president of the Maltese Association of Skin and Wound Care and serves on the Council of the European Wound Management Association, representing Malta in several international wound care and education groups.
Before moving into academia, Corinne held senior nursing management roles at Mater Dei Hospital and St Luke’s Hospital. She has contributed extensively to professional organisations in Malta and abroad and has participated in over 200 educational events worldwide. Corinne holds qualifications from the University of Malta, Cardiff University, and Bournemouth University, and remains deeply committed to advancing wound care, specialist nursing roles, and excellence in patient care.
Occupational Therapist
The residence
B.Sc (Hons.) Occupational Therapy
Emma Mallia is an Occupational Therapist, with over four years of experience supporting individuals of all ages to enhance independence and improve their quality of life. Her expertise includes seating assessments, upper limb rehabilitation—particularly fine motor skills—and activities of daily living (ADL) re-training.
Emma also has extensive experience working with children to develop fine motor, gross motor, and cognitive skills. Passionate about person-centred care, she is dedicated to empowering every individual to achieve their goals and reach their full functional potential.
Specialist Psychiatrist
The residence
MMED, MRCPsych | MSc Geriatrics & Gerontology
Dr Fabian Bonello is a Specialist Psychiatrist who graduated in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Malta in 2012. After completing his foundation training, he continued to develop his expertise in London through Core Psychiatric Training and became a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2017. He later returned to Malta, completing his specialist training in Psychiatry in 2021, and went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Geriatrics and Gerontology.
Dr Bonello currently works within community psychogeriatric services in Malta’s national health system and is also a visiting lecturer on various University of Malta programmes. His clinical interests include dementia and neuropsychiatric conditions, with a strong commitment to supporting older adults through compassionate, evidence-based care.
Podiatrist
The residence
B.Sc & M.Sc Podiatry
Anthea Borg is a qualified Podiatrist who graduated from the University of Malta with a Bachelor’s degree in 2016 followed by a Master’s degree in 2019. She specialises in diabetic foot management and works closely with patients experiencing diabetes-related complications, including neuropathy, reduced vascular supply, ulcerations, and the prevention of amputations.
Her clinical work also covers routine foot care and specialised treatment, including nail care and surgery, removal of corns and calluses, biomechanical assessments, and insole fabrication tailored to individual needs. Anthea is passionate about prevention and strongly advocates for regular diabetic foot screening to reduce risk and protect long-term foot health.
Nursing & Nutrition
The residence
M.Sc. Nursing (Manchester), B.Sc. Nursing (Malta)
Geoffrey Axiak brings more than three decades of dedicated experience as a registered nurse and over twenty-seven years as a registered nutritionist. For the past twenty-four years, he has served as a Clinical Nutrition Specialist Nurse across Malta and Gozo, providing expert support to individuals with complex health and nutritional needs.
Over the last twenty years, Geoffrey has represented Malta in numerous local and international conferences, seminars, Erasmus programmes, and other professional events. His passion for sharing knowledge has seen him deliver lectures and seminars both locally and abroad, while also organising and coordinating conferences and healthcare-related courses for more than seventeen years.
A proud Associate and Fellow of the European Specialist Nurses Organisation since 2004, Geoffrey has also served as an international lecturer since 2020. Education is his passion, nursing is his vocation, and nutrition remains at the heart of his life’s work.
Speech Language Pathologist
The residence
Stefan Sciberras is a Speech Language Pathologist with over ten years of experience working with older adults in residential care, rehabilitation, and community settings. He has a special interest in supporting people with communication and swallowing difficulties, always with a focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Stefan works closely with residents, families, and care staff to make everyday communication easier and mealtimes safer and more enjoyable.
General Practitioner
The residence
Diploma in Geriatric Medicine | Palliative Care Specialist
Dr Malcolm Sant graduated in Medicine from the University of Malta in 2001 and obtained his medical licence in 2003. He began his training in the Accident & Emergency Department before moving to General Practice in 2004, gaining extensive experience in the management of paediatric, orthopaedic, and trauma patients within health centres.
As part of his professional development, Dr Sant completed Part 1 of the Diploma in Geriatric Medicine, the European Certificate in Essential Palliative Care (in collaboration with Hospice Malta and Princess Alice Hospice, UK), and both Part 1 and Part 2 of the MRCP exams in General Medicine. He also achieved the Palliative End of Life Care Award Level 4 and has significant experience in caring for elderly patients in residential homes, as well as in physical and rehabilitation medicine at Karin Grech Hospital.
Medical Doctor
The residence
Medical Doctor | Health & Wellbeing Specialist
Dr Bernard Balzan is a medical doctor currently in the final stages of specialist training. His clinical focus is on the health and wellbeing of older adults, with particular expertise in managing chronic conditions, conducting medication reviews, and promoting independence and quality of life for residents.
He works closely with nursing teams and families to deliver personalised, holistic care, ensuring that every decision supports dignity and respect. Known for his calm and approachable manner, Dr Balzan prioritises clear communication and collaborative care planning. His professional commitment is to provide thoughtful, compassionate treatment that enhances the overall wellbeing of each individual under his care.
Cleanliness
Cleanliness is key to a healthy life, safe surroundings, and a fresh atmosphere.
We take our cleanliness and hygiene protocols extremely seriously to ensure our residents are always protected throughout our premises.
Security
We have 24-hour security personnel who parole the grounds. CCTV cameras are found all over the grounds and within the main areas providing peace of mind to residents and relatives alike.
Our friendly security personnel are always around to help out in an emergency and also assist our residents in any way they can.
Cleanliness
Cleanliness is key to a healthy life, safe surroundings, and a fresh atmosphere.
We take our cleanliness and hygiene protocols extremely seriously to ensure our residents are always protected throughout our premises.
Security
We have 24-hour security personnel who parole the grounds. CCTV cameras are found all over the grounds and within the main areas providing peace of mind to residents and relatives alike.
Our friendly security personnel are always around to help out in an emergency and also assist our residents in any way they can.