Opposition leader Simon Busuttil today questioned the government’s plan to convert Boffa hospital into a general hospital given the limited amount of beds available.

Boffa is currently being used to treat cancer patients, but Health Secretary Chris Fearne announced that it will be converted into a general hospital by the end of the year.

Speaking after a visit to Boffa and the Oncology centre at Mater Dei, Dr Busuttil said the Opposition is open to discussion about the conversion but more information is required from the government, particularly on how the 80-bed hospital can function as a full-blown general hospital.

He questioned when the government’s road map for the health sector is going to surface, saying that after two years  they suddenly decided to convert Boffa into a general hospital.

Dr Busuttil said there is an enormous difference between the dignity afforded to patients at Boffa hospital and the exemplary conditions at the new Oncology centre.

The Nurses’ Union (MUMN) has expressed its shock at the announcement, saying that it came out of the blue without any consultation and the demand for new nurses far outstrips supply. 

In reply, the Labour Party said Dr Busuttil did not mention the reduction in out of stock medicines and the waiting list.

The problems in the health sector today reflect the lack of planning under the previous administration, the Party said.