Medical update on Dom Mintoff

A statement from the department of information said Mintoff, 94, was showing signs of improvement but his condition remains critical.

Former Prime Minister and Labour leader Dom Mintoff was admitted to hospital this week just after midnight at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), suffering from congestive heart failure and dehydration.

Mintoff's situation reportedly also improved by this morning. However he remains critical, and his physicians have recommended close observation, monitoring, and rest.

Patients suspected of having suffered an acute heart attack are admitted to a hospital's CCU - intended to be a quiet, calm, and restful area in which patients can be further evaluated and closely monitored.

Ealier this year Mintoff spent six days hospitalised at the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) at Mater Dei Hospital, where he was suffering from pneumonia.