Vitals Global Healthcare (VGH) is in the final stages of negotiations with two separate contractors over St Luke’s Hospital exterior works which will be carried out, a VGH representative told The Malta Independent yesterday.

This contradicts what was stated in a newsletter sent to nurses yesterday in which the company claimed that two separate contractors have already been engaged for the project.

The government had signed a deal with Vitals Global Healthcare for the privatisation of the Gozo General Hospital and St Luke's Hospital.

Contacted after The Malta Independent obtained a copy of the newsletter, the group's public relations officer, Sandi Wosminity, was unable to divulge the names of the contractors, but said that works will soon commence. She was unable to say whether the group would use just one, or two contractors for the works.

She also explained that testing on the exterior will take place in order for the group to see what is more visually appealing. She said that aside from replacing windows, the facade will also be cleaned. As for the interior of St Luke's she indicated that there will be extensive interior work.

While the official line seems to be that the negotiations with the two contractors are in their final stages, a newsletter by Vitals Global Healthcare reads that the two separate contractors who will be restoring the exterior façade of St Luke's Hospital over the coming months have already been engaged.

The newsletter read: “the initial sections will serve as the ‘reference standard’ for other sections of the building which will be restored on an ongoing basis. These initial panels will represent the look and finalise our restoration methods”.

The group will order windows for both the entire hospital block, as well as the Karen Grech Rehabilitation Hospital.

“Soft stripping will start very soon within the entirety of St Luke’s. Work will include the interior demolition of virtually everything which is not either historically protected or structural in nature”.

It will allow for 350 new beds.

Workers will be on site in the next few weeks, cleaning weeds, garbage and extra debris.

In order for construction to begin, and to provide a safe environment, the grounds will need to be cleared, and access be provided, the newsletter read. “We will post clearly marked signs as to where you will be redirected,” once parking details are finalised.

“The schematic design, which represents the general completion of the design effort, is close to completion. From this work we will continue with construction and technical documents, and this will allow us to build the project and finalise any required submissions for the Planning Authority”.

“Completion of the Schematic Design indicates that the design direction has been agreed on, details have been resolved, and is close to being formalised”.

Back in June, Vitals Group Healthcare Director Ram Tumuluri said that St Luke’s will be partially open by September 2017 with three surgical rooms and some 50 beds ready for use by this time. The Karen Grech section, which is adjacent to St Luke’s, will also be completed by September 2017. He also said that the entire construction project is expected to be concluded in a period of 24 months and the new hospitals will be inaugurated in July 2018.

In the press conference, he revealed that most of St Luke’s Hospital will be kept intact. In fact, Mr Tumuluri said they intend to keep St Luke’s façade as is, with a little renovation that will include changing the windows and railings. He also revealed that Indian contractors who are based in Dubai will handle the construction.

A look on the Planning Authority website reveals that an application has been filed for the restoration of elevation of main building within St. Luke's Hospital Complex.

Vitals Global Healthcare CEO of Operations Armin Ernst, in his message on the newsletter, said that he has toured all three facilities (St Luke’s Hospital, Karen Grech and Gozo General Hospital).

“I visited wards, diagnostic and treatment areas, walked the grounds, inspected utility areas and spoke with many of you (the staff)”.

Dr Ernst is a doctor by training, specialising in Pulmonology and critical care medicine. He is a German native, who spent many years living in the USA. He was previously the chief executive of Reliant Medical Group. The group was founded in 1929. It was the first group medical practice established in Central Massachusetts, USA.

Known initially as Fallon Clinic, the name of the organization was changed to Reliant Medical Group in October, 2011. In 2015, Reliant Medical Group merged with Southboro Medical Group – a union that has created the largest independent medical group in Central and Metrowest Massachusetts.  

Two things struck him while touring the facilities, he wrote in the newsletter. “Clearly there is a problem with facilities and resources – but despite that, there is a palpable sense of pride and dedication everywhere I went. Patients were very well taken care of; compassion, professionalism and respect were abundant”.

He said he felt a mix of hope and apprehension around the coming changes, adding that this is normal. “In our case, it is a change that will improve lives, our ability to care for our patients and the economic environment of the islands. The leadership team at VGH is hard at work with the necessary behind-the-scenes is happening and can follow the progress”.

The newsletter also indicates that VGH will be sourcing new medical vans, which will be able to carry up to five wheelchairs with options of removable seats.

It also reveals that John Bezzina is the new Human Resources Director.

The website, VGHprojects.com, will also soon be up and running.