Saint James Hospital Makes History With 1st Specialised Heart Procedures In Malta’s Private Healthcare Sector

Saint James Hospital has become the first private hospital in Malta to successfully perform three specialised heart procedures that were previously only available through the country's public health service.

The procedures were carried out by the hospital's cardiac team at the new €2.5 million Prof. Albert Fenech Cardiac Suite in Żejtun, marking a significant milestone for private healthcare in Malta.

Saint James Hospitals CEO Jean Claude Muscat described the achievement as an important step forward for interventional cardiology within the private sector. He said the milestone was not only about investing in new facilities and technology, but also about expanding access to modern, high quality cardiac care for patients.

Saint James is currently the only private hospital in Malta equipped with a cardiac catheterisation laboratory, or Cath Lab, allowing specialists to perform procedures that previously required patients to rely on the public health service or travel abroad for treatment.

The first three interventions included a coronary angiogram to identify blockages in the arteries and a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) closure procedure, which seals a small opening between the heart's upper chambers to help reduce the risk of stroke.

The cardiac suite is named after the late Prof. Albert Fenech, who was recognised as a pioneer of interventional cardiology in Malta.

Muscat said the investment provides patients with greater choice when seeking specialised cardiac treatment while also strengthening the country's overall healthcare system.

He added that the hospital plans to continue expanding its cardiac services and introduce more advanced procedures using its state of the art Philips Azurion angiography system.

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