Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela announced the opening of the Medical High Dependency Unit (HDU) at Mater Dei Hospital.
This is a ten-bed facility designed for patients with severe illnesses who require closer monitoring and a higher level of care than that provided in a standard ward, but who do not yet require invasive mechanical ventilation or intensive life support in the ITU.
Minister Jo Etienne Abela explained how the medical team that will be running this ward have undergone specialized training to be able to manage the complexities associated with serious illnesses that patients hospitalized in this ward typically encounter. Dr Abela further explained that after the initial stabilisation of these patients in the general wards, the Medical HDU provides space for their transfer to ensure continuous close monitoring and high dependency care.
In order to facilitate the care of these patients, continuous parameter monitors have been installed, electrical systems have been upgraded and specialised equipment has been acquired, including ventilation machines capable of providing non-invasive ventilation such as CPAP and BIPAP, as well as a blood gas analyser. “Today we are seeing an investment of around €450,000 to provide specialised care to people. The Government is committed to continuing to invest and improve the care and quality of life of the patient,” concluded Minister Abela.
