The Opposition noted with concern how the acting CEO of Mater Dei Hospital admitted that our national hospital has never been in such a disastrous situation prior to today.

The PN, through its shadow minister for health Claudette Buttigieg, said that Dr Zarb Adami admitted that for the first time, since the Libyan evacuation crisis in February 2011, the management had to resort to the decision to use the day surgery recovery area to care for patients with different medical conditions and possible infectious diseases. Until today, this was a medically segregated area, restricted to a limited number of staff members.

The Opposition reiterates that wrong decisions taken by the management, including the CEO and bed management, appointed by Labour Government, are not only negatively effecting the service given to patients, but are also creating tension on the employees. It is very unfair that hospital employees are faced with unnecessary pressure which can leave very negative impact at the expense of the patients and their recovery outcomes.

“Konrad Mizzi and Chris Fearne cannot sit back and let our national hospital deteriorate into such a situation as confirmed in today’s papers. People are asking whether the much promised roadmap is not a sad illusion. Patients and their family members, together with our much dedicated professional medical staff deserve honest replies and not just rhetoric,” Dr Buttigieg said.

In reply, the government said the government is investing heavily to eliminate the problems left behind by the previous administration, such as long waiting lists and out-of-stock medicines.

The number of out-of-stock medicines has been reduced to a minimum while more than 300 beds will be added at Mater Dei Hospital.

A building next to the Emergency Department is nearing completion and it is expected that 68 of these beds will be added before the end of the year. More beds will become available after other phases of the project are completed, the government said.

The government added that investment is also taking place in Gozo, St Luke’s Hospital will be converted into a dermatology centre while the number of geriatric beds at Karin Grech Hospital will also be increased.