Workers at Mater Dei Hospital will have access to a new parking area that will offer around 135 new spaces and is located near the Oncology Centre, a government statement said.

This was made possible through a €700,000 expenditure and forms part of a broader vision of infrastructural improvements at the heart of the public health system, while also addressing the needs of hospital staff, the statement said.

The new parking area was announced during a visit by Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela, together with the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Medical Services (FMS), Dr Robert G. Xuereb.

Abela said that this parking project is a tangible example of how the needs of healthcare workers are being prioritised.

“Investment in clinical spaces is crucial, but it is also essential to invest in supporting facilities like this. The staff provides one of the most sensitive and demanding services, and it is important that we offer them a healthy environment and the support they deserve,” Abela said.

FMS CEO Xuereb said that the FMS is not only committed to creating modern infrastructure and clinical spaces, but also practical facilities that help professionals deliver the best possible service.

During works on this project, an ancient Punic tomb estimated to be around 2,300 years old was discovered, the statement said.

This was carefully excavated in close collaboration with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH), which removed all the remains and artefacts with great care before work on the parking area continued.