The Ministry of Health and Active Ageing has announced that a tender for the expansion and development of the Emergency Department at Mater Dei Hospital has been published.
The total cost of this tender amounts to just over €80 million, excluding VAT and the site covers a total area of 7,100m2 and requires an excavated volume of 10,500m3.
The Health Ministry said in a statement that the decision to expand on Mater Dei’s facilities was taken to adapt to the increasing demand being exerted onto the Hospital’s emergency services. Over time, the Hospital’s Emergency Department services have adapted with increasing demand by expanding its services beyond its existing physical space, which has caused its own set of challenges.
The proposed development is set to transform the present site in Mater Dei Hospital consisting of the Emergency Department, its adjacent car park, a green area, and the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) building.
This will expand on the current Emergency Department through a two-floor permanent structure. This will be constructed between the Emergency Department’s side and the Medical Imaging Department, extending into and encompassing the whole car park in front of the present Emergency Department.
The existing Emergency Department car park is to be changed significantly. Levels 9 and 10 will be converted into an extension of the Emergency Department, Levels 11-14 will be dedicated to Acute Mental Health Wards, and Level 15 will become a Plant Room. Another Plant Room will also be constructed on Level 14.
The Emergency Department ground floor will accommodate its extension and pantry, while the first floor will hold its offices, changing rooms, and other essential staff amenities to meet the Hospital’s demand for the next 10-20 years.
The new Acute Mental Health Wards, which also fall under the purview of this tender, will be comprised of 10 wards and 136 total beds. This initiative aims to consolidate Acute Mental Health services within the state-of-the-art facility, marking the first such endeavour within the Maltese islands. This area will also feature a therapeutic garden to provide patients with a “tranquil outdoor environment conducive to patient recovery and well-being.”
The area existing above the MAU building on Level 10 will be expanded upon to accommodate for more Acute Wards from Levels 11-13.
Furthermore, this development will develop the existent green area to include a new substation on Levels 8 and 9 of the Hospital.
Level 10 will be transformed into the new car park for the Emergency Department and Level 11 will feature an outdoor green area specifically designed for Acute patients, adjacent to the new wards and above the A&E extension.
This development aims to improve the capacity and services of Malta’s primary acute care facility, especially for those related to mental health care and emergency treatment.
The Estimated Procurement Value (EPV) for this Call for Tenders totals to €80,173,605.56 excluding VAT. Bidders are able to submit financial offers above, equal, or below this estimated value; the Contracting Authority reserves the right to accept or reject offers exceeding the EPV.