€120 Million Expansion Of Mater Dei Emergency Department Begins
Construction of a major €120 million expansion at Mater Dei Hospital will start today, marking the first significant enlargement of the hospital's Emergency Department since it opened 19 years ago.
The Foundation for Medical Services will mobilise workers and contractors to the site to start work on the project, which will include an expanded Emergency Department, Malta's first acute mental health unit within a general hospital, and additional healthcare facilities.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Ian Borg said the investment would strengthen the country's healthcare infrastructure to meet growing demand driven by population growth and an ageing society.
He said the project would improve emergency care while integrating physical and mental health services to provide a more patient-centred approach.
The expansion will double the capacity of the current Emergency Department, increasing treatment cubicles from 35 to 70.
The new layout is intended to improve patient flow and operational efficiency, while additional facilities will also enhance paediatric emergency services. New offices, training rooms, changing facilities and staff amenities will also be built.
The acute mental health unit will provide 135 beds across several wards and will include a therapeutic garden designed to support patient recovery.
Temporary barriers will be installed around the construction site, located next to the existing Emergency Department, before excavation works begin.
Hospital authorities said the Emergency Department will remain fully operational throughout the project, although some nearby parking spaces will be unavailable. Temporary parking arrangements, revised patient drop-off points and additional security staff will be introduced to maintain safe access.
The Ministry for Health is also reminding the public that anyone unsure whether they require emergency treatment can call the 24-hour helpline 1400, where healthcare professionals can advise on the most appropriate service for their condition.
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