Government assessing Mater Dei structural problems

Health Minister Konrad Mizzi said that he was “totally surprised” at test results which showed that the building which hosts the emergency unit at Mater Dei Hospital is not able to take the weight of additional wards.

Reacting to reports which emerged in sections of the press which revealed that the concrete structures on top of the accident and emergency department were too weak to withstand any additional medical wards, Mizzi said that political, technical and contractual accountability had to be shouldered.

The minister also said that the police will be asked to investigate and the input of forensic engineers will be sought for the inquiry to understand the reasons for the structural failings.

The results emerged after government-appointed contractors were asked to carry out tests on the building’s columns and infrastructure. The tests were carried out as part of government’s plan to expand the department, creating space for an additional 68 beds.

Stressing that government’s prioroty was to safeguard the safety and well-being of patients and hospital workers, Mizzi said that a number of temporary measures will be implemented for the time being.

He also said that government will be analysing other appropriate areas for the new wards.