Works are currently in progress at the female general ward at the Gozo General Hospital for a complete refurbishment to be carried out at the ward. The work forms part of a larger project that also includes the upgrading of the male general ward, works on which will start once the present works at the female ward are complete.

Female patients have been temporarily transferred to a section of the male general ward until works in the female general ward come to an end. The male general ward has been sectioned to ensure patients’ privacy. The whole project, which includes the investment of more than Lm100,000 is expected to be finalised towards the end of April 2007. Upgrading works include the installation of bedhead trunking units, medical gases, vinyl sheeting and aluminium apertures as well as general works such as painting, plastering and electrical services. Various sections within the Gozo General Hospital have undergone modernisation works since 1999.

Referring to the current works in progress, the Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono said that the ministry gave top priority to the health service on Gozo and has striven towards improving the physical environment while aiming for improved medical service at the hospital for the ultimate benefit of patients in Gozo.

Minister Debono spoke about the programme of upgrading works that the ministry embarked upon in 1999, giving priority to areas that needed attention and that were mostly frequented by patients. While a certain degree of embellishment works were also carried out at both the male and female general wards in recent years, the ministry felt that a more intensive project should be carried out here, including the installation of more modern medical equipment.

Minister Debono said that the government’s plans for the health services in Gozo are set to continue with the Ministry for Gozo soon embarking on a very ambitious project, that will be launched in due time, to provide more quality medical services in Gozo.