The Malta Environment and Planning Authority this afternoon gave the go-ahead for the expansion of Mater Dei hospital's emergency ward.

The permit give allows for the construction of three floors together with an additional basement level, which will house the emergency department and the national crisis unit.

The application was filed the Foundation for Medical Services, and it requested a change in the original plan to build extra floors on the existing accident and emergency department. This cannot take any more floors above the two that already exist because the present structure would not be able to withstand the additional floors.

One of the floors in the new building will accommodate 68 beds, a reception area, treatment rooms and other utility rooms, while the second and third floor will be used by the national crisis team.

The new building will not exceed the height of the other blocks at Mater Dei.