Bedside entertainment services at Mater Dei Hospital will cease to be offered from 31 December, Melita said in a statement.

In line with its contractual obligations, Melita notified the hospital management about the termination of services in 2014. Provision of services had been extended until the end of 2015 as per request from the hospital management.

During this period services are offered on a best-effort basis as the equipment is end-of-life and no longer under support by its vendors.

Patients who used to enjoy the system while in hospital expressed concern and consternation to The Malta Independent.

Melita said it has put forward alternative solutions to provide telecommunications services that match the growing demand for connectivity of Mater Dei patients, staff and visitors alike. The services would include high speed Wi-Fi internet across the hospital and television access using smart devices.

Following a competitive bid in 2007, Melita provided bedside entertainment services at Mater Dei Hospital including television, internet and telephony through dedicated bedside terminals.

Services were provided over the MITA network within the hospital in line with conditions set by the Foundation for Medical Services.

Throughout this period Melita also offered free services to more than 10% of the beds at Mater Dei mainly in children wards, along with free television services in hospital common areas.