Premises outlined for Blood Transfusion Centre

A site in San Gwann, next to Mater Dei Hospital and in close proximity to the BioMalta Life Sciences Park has been indicated to host the new Blood Transfusion Centre. The plan of the government is to apply for EU funds to help finance this project/

The centre will also house a medical centre for tissue and cell banking, harvesting of stem cells and tissue, such as bone, cord blood stem cells and potentially a host of other tissues such as ligaments and other research facilities. These services will be offered to both local and international patients.

The Ministry for Health last week emphasised the need for a centre of excellence providing research and development potential. The project will generate substantial investment not just structurally but also in personnel and equipment. Apart from applying for EU funds, the government will explore the options of public-private partnerships.

The present Blood Transfusion Centre has outgrown its aims and is in dire need of restructuring. The building itself has proven to be too small.