Nathaniel Attard Appointed PN’s New Communications Director

Sep 4 2024

The Nationalist Party announced on Tuesday that broadcaster Nathaniel Attard has been appointed as the new director of communications and spokesperson for the Opposition Leader.

He takes over from James Aaron Ellul, who is transitioning to a new position as director of the party’s Library. Ellul also shared his intention to run as a candidate in the next general election.

Attard, who has been BirdLife Malta’s communications manager since 2016, brings a strong background in journalism and media.

Prior to his environmental work, he worked as a journalist and news anchor for the Nationalist Party’s media channels, including NET Television, where he produced and presented news and current affairs programs.

He also held leadership roles, serving as head of news for Media Link Communications and editor of the PN’s daily newspaper, in-Nazzjon.

A native of Gozo, Attard once served as a councillor for the PN in Rabat, Gozo.

Meanwhile, Ellul will now lead the PN’s Librarija Informa, a resource center at the party’s headquarters, while continuing his role as the deputy mayor of Floriana. Both appointments will take effect on Monday, September 9.

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23 Year Old Man Dies After Suffering Head Injuries In Tarxien

Sep 4 2024

Yesterday afternoon, at around 1700hrs, police were informed that an incident had taken place in Triq il-Witja, Ħal Tarxien.

Police convened immediately on site and preliminary investigations showed that a 23 year old man, resident of Ħal Tarxien, was conducting work in his private property when he suffered head injuries.

The victim was given medical attention by a medical team and Civil Protection members and was taken to Mater Dei Hospital. Unfortunately, he was later certified as deceased.

An inquiry has been opened and investigations by police are ongoing.

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Bicycle Ride To Honour Jake Vella Before Funeral

Sep 4 2024

Cyclists have been invited to join a final farewell ride in honour of 15-year-old Jake Vella, ahead of his funeral on Saturday.

Vella, a dedicated triathlete, faced a rare neurological condition called ROHHAD (Rapid-onset Obesity with Hypothalamic Dysfunction, Hypoventilation, and Autonomic Dysregulation), yet he continued to champion charitable causes, organising events to support abandoned animals and raise awareness.

The farewell ride will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Mater Dei Hospital, where Vella spent his final months, and conclude at Birżebbuġa Parish Church, where his funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m.

The Malta Mountain Bike Association shared details of the event, urging participants to “do one last bike ride for beloved Jake.”

Traffic enforcement officers are set to guide the procession. Vella’s parents, who announced his funeral arrangements on social media, revealed that his body will be cremated.

Rest in peace Jake.

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Healthcare Workers Ordered To Double-Check Patient Identities

Sep 3 2024

Healthcare workers have been instructed to double-check patients’ identities when providing services, seemingly in response to recent identity fraud allegations.

A letter passed around amongst staff in all government healthcare institutions, seen by Times of Malta, instructed healthcare workers to confirm patients’ identities by requesting their ID number, full name, and date of birth.

The letter also advises verifying demographic information such as address, mobile number, and telephone number. Additionally, patients should be asked to present their ID card, residence permit, passport, or driving license.

The letter was issued just weeks after numerous individuals reported finding upcoming appointments for serious tests and surgeries in their medical files that they did not require, along with records of hospital admissions they never experienced and medications prescribed for illnesses they never had.

In one case, a man who went for a check-up at a public healthcare clinic in June was shocked to discover that his medical records listed him as having died in March.

According to Times of Malta, the letter also instructed healthcare workers to cross-verify health records, with the letter reportedly stating “Before accessing or updating any health records confirm that the identifiers in the patient’s health records match the details provided by the patients or their authorised representative. This applies to every point of contact, including, but not limited to registration, consultation, test ordering, diagnostics and treatment,”

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