New paediatric A&E department inaugurated

Parliamentary secretary for health Chris Fearne has inaugurated the new paediatric accident and emergency department at Mater Dei Hospital, the first facility of its kind in Malta.

Fearne was given a tour of the department by Dr. Paul Soler.

"The way children react to illness is different to that of adults and the way children are treated is different from adults. We felt the need for an emergency department specifically designed for children," said Fearne.

Colourful murals of Disney cartoon characters adorn the walls of the new department, which is equipped with nappy-changing facilities, a play room, a room for breastfeeding and cubicles equipped with specialised equipment.

Over the past few months 11 nurses recieved specialised training in paediatric nursing. The nurses will be assisting the two consultants specialised in paediatric emergency medicine who will be based there.

The measure is expected to reduce the overcrowding of the accident and emergency department, which, Fearne said, has already been reduced substantially through other measures. Every year, 22,000 children pass through the emergency department, explained the Parliamentary Secretary.

This change was sorely needed, according to one junior doctor. Speaking to MaltaToday, Dr Justine Bugeja explained that the new facility would offer "more space, more place to monitor, more nurses and overall a safer place for our young patients." 

"The workload will also be more manageable and safe with the new complement of paediatric nurses," she said.

"Growth from the one room before, to multiple rooms in the new emergency department allows for safer monitoring and observation within the unit. This is a department that never stops, day and night and these new changes are essential for safe practice."