More than 90,000 patients were admitted at Mater Dei hospital in 2015, which marks an increase of almost 30,000 from the year 2008.

This morning, Mater Dei CEO Ivan Falzon presented a detailed hospital activity report for last year. This number does not include those admissions at the renal unit and the nursery.

In 2015, there were some 39,000 admissions reported at the Accident and Emergency Department.

January is the month with most admissions, more than 8,000 in 2015 and some 7,600 in the previous year.

According to the quantitative report, 88% of the total admissions were Maltese nationals while only 3% were foreigners.

Mr Falzon explained that the Medicines and Surgery Departments were the most active. He mentioned the increase of day surgeries which helped with providing a more efficient service.

The Accident and Emergency Department marked an increase of 7.5% form 2014. The majority, 71%, were adults and 10% were for paediatric cases. The number of admissions in this department peaked during the months of July and August. Tourists arrivals are an affecting factor. 

Most hospital admissions occur on Mondays. On this day, hospital staff has to deal with an average of 300 patients. Sundays was the least active. Mr Falzon said that the hospital administration plans that by next year, the daily attendances are better distributed. 

On average, 20 operation theatres are used daily.

The press conference was also addressed by Dr Joe ZarbAdami. He explained that the MRIs have increased from 8,000 reported in 2012 to 19,000 in 2015.

In his conclusion, Mr Falzon called on the public to respect workers at Mater Dei and for people not to abuse of the emergency department.