Our new hospital so called Mater Dei is already making a name for itself, as I have heard some people call it Mother’s Day or better still Mater Dejn. Malta General Hospital would have been more appropriate a name and made a great deal more sense and honour to our country and the international medical profession as a whole.

Having visited this luxurious hospital, I immediately have nothing to add but praise, though wait, until one needs to services of the Phlebotomy Dept., known to many as “Bleeding”. You are welcomed with continuous disco music on the radio, people chattering as though in a bar, and to cap it all, you may meet the usual preacher inherited from St Luke’s giving his monotonous loud sermon and making the place his own. Hardly any consideration for the old and infirm, as with all the noise patients must be very attentive when they are called, as the voice on the addressing system is neither loud nor clear and one could easily miss one’s turn.

Why this is allowed to happen I do not know. If music has to be played then find something more soothing – or else why not get Mr Bean to join the act? As for sermons, we hear enough on the radio and besides, there are enough places for that kind of thing. Maybe the place needs better supervision, it is a good idea for people to be told to keep their voice down and their noisy children in order. Also more informative signs please to indicate direction. Once admitted, the service is excellent and of the highest professional standard.

Perhaps it is too early to complain, as with some basic re-organisation everything will improve in due course.

Aldo Borg

Gzira