Construction work has begun at Mater Dei Hospital to expand the hospital's emergency department and develop a new acute psychiatry facility, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela announced during a press conference.

The minister said the emergency department will double its current capacity, with 35 additional beds being added to the existing 35. The expansion will also include the introduction of sensory rooms designed for patients with autism, aimed at creating a calmer and more supportive environment for those requiring emergency care.

Abela explained that the project forms part of a broader government strategy to ease pressure on the emergency department. Measures already introduced include a dedicated helpline and agreements with private hospitals, which he said have helped reduce emergency admissions by 15,000 cases.

The minister said the second major objective of the project is to strengthen the integration of mental and physical healthcare services. As part of this effort, a new acute psychiatric unit with 135 beds will be constructed at the hospital.

According to Abela, the psychiatric facility is expected to be completed within the next three years.