Minister reports progress in reducing Casualty Ward overcrowding

Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia has reported progress in reducing congestion in the Casualty Department of Mater Dei Hospital. Speaking this morning on One TV, the minister said that for the first time in months, Area Two was empty in the Easter long weekend, even though some health centres were closed. He said progress was being brought about through improved efficiency. Motivation and dedication were the keys to reform, he said, adding that he had set up an office at Mater Dei because he believed in 'leading from the front' and having a direct understanding of the problems faced by the staff. Dr Farrugia said he was working on a number of fronts, including community care, hospital waiting lists, the issue of out of stock medicines, a patients' charter and financial sustainability. He said progress in community care was 'the trick' to bringing about a general improvement of health services. He said a new health hub would be built in the south, serving the area that includes Mqabba, Qrendi, Safi and Kirkop, currently served by Floriana health centre. Another hub would be at Floriana where, apart from the normal health services, it would also cater for the health evaluation of...