Between November 2007 and May 2008, over 13,000 patients who could have easily gone for treatment at the government health clinics or even their personal general practitioner instead decided to go to the Accident and Emergency Department at Mater Dei Hospital.

According to Health Department statistics, the highest number of patients who could have gone elsewhere for treatment since the new hospital opened, such as their private doctor or a government health clinic, was registered in April with a total of 2,409.

November had the lowest number of these patients, 963, possibly because it was the migration period of many services from St Luke’s Hospital.

In fact, complaints about the long waiting period at Accident and Emergency are quite justified as it is calculated that over the seven-month period, an average of around 300 people a day went to the department.

Between November and May, the number of cases at the A&E with the highest priority remained constant at around 900, increasing slightly to 1,075 in April and 1,109 in May. The total number of patients in this category amounted to 6,450.

The number of medium priority cases also remained constant with around 2,070 patients in January and decreased slightly to 1,907 in May. Between November and May, a total 12,684 patients went through A&E.

However, surprisingly, cases classified as of “lowest priority” increased steadily over the months with 963 patients in November to 2,206 patients in May. The highest number of patients in this category was registered in April (2,409), while a total of 13,553 patients visited the A&E during the seven-month period.

It is ironic to note that out of the three different types of cases, during the first month of operation in November, the A&E department had the highest number of lowest priority cases (963), followed by medium priority (866) and lastly, highest priority (513).

In fact, the government will soon launch an information campaign directed at the public to help them become aware of other options, such as their private doctor or the health clinics.

It seems to be all in the mind. According to health sources, the day after the general elections, 9 March, was one of the quietest days for the A&E Department. Similarly, when there is an important game, such as the final match or any other large event, the A&E is deserted.

Statistics also show that the outpatients is one of the busiest departments with a total of 26,955 patients seen in May. Of these 18,627 were follow-ups and people who went without an appointment, while 8,328 were referred by the health clinic or their doctor.

April was the busiest month, with a total of 29,021 patients – 20,074 of these were follow-ups and 8,947 were referrals.