In a thought-provoking mini-symposium organised by Prof. Sandra C. Buttigieg, Head of Department of Health Systems Management and Leadership, Faculty of Health Sciences, experts gathered to examine the legal frameworks and protections available to healthcare professionals across European health systems, with a specific focus on the Maltese context.

The event was addressed by the Hon. Jo Etienne Abela, Minister for Health and Active Aging, who emphasised the importance of fostering ongoing dialogue and initiatives aimed at strengthening the legal framework supporting healthcare professionals in Malta. Prof. Buttigieg provided a brief overview of the second victim phenomenon and emphasised the need for a robust medico-legal infrastructure and governance.

The speakers – legal experts Dr Noemia Bessa Vilela, Dr Michael Sciriha and Dr Daniel Bianchi provided engaging presentations on Legal Protection for Healthcare Professionals in Health Systems from a European and focusing on the Maltese Perspective. This was followed by a panel discussion where the speakers were joined by Prof. Pierpaolo Marano, Mr Joseph Debono FRCS, Dr John Cachia and Dr Ingrid Zammit Young. The event attracted a significant audience of clinicians, health law experts and policymakers, and it provided a platform for discussing the challenges and best practices surrounding legal liability, professional rights, and safeguards against litigation.

The attendees engaged in fruitful discussions, exploring the evolving landscape of healthcare law and the pressing need for robust legal protections that empower healthcare providers in their mission to deliver high-quality care.

The symposium emphasised the importance of legal awareness and advocacy in the healthcare sector, encouraging participants to collaborate on strategies that enhance protections for professionals while ensuring patient safety.