Hospital situation ‘complex’ but deaths in corridors remain undignified

Shadow health minister says Opposition ready to form part of discussions to find way forward for hospital overcrowding

PN leader Simon Busuttil and shadow health minister Claudette Buttigieg
PN leader Simon Busuttil and shadow health minister Claudette Buttigieg
Shadow health minister says PN ready to take part in discussions for hospital solutions

The situation at Mater Dei Hospital and the problem of bed shortage was “complex” but dying in a corridor remained undignified, shadow health minister Claudette Buttigieg said.

Speaking after a tour of the new oncology centre, Buttigieg said it was important for the Opposition to keep on reminding that temporary solutions were not the right solutions for patients.

“As discussed with the parliamentary secretary, the situation is complex. We have to continue working to find new places for the elderly. It is calculated that some 100 beds at Mater Dei are occupied by patients who should either be in a rehabilitation hospital or at an elderly residence,” she said.

Turning to the Sir Anthony Mamo oncology centre, Buttigieg said the project was undoubtedly one of the best visions of the PN in government and the current administration should keep following that direction.

She said that the opening of the new oncology centre would free up beds in the wards that will be used by other patients. The PN MP said that the key was to think in the long-term.

Buttigieg was accompanied by PN leader Simon Busuttil who reiterated that it was unacceptable for patients to be cared for, or die, in a corridor.

Asked whether Boffa Hospital could be changed into a general hospital, Busuttil said the opposition had yet to see what the plans were. He however pointed out that Boffa Hospital’s current capacity was of 80 beds.