Mater Dei’s intensive care consultants have warned of the increasing pressure COVID-19 is placing on the unit, urging the public and leaders to do all they can to contain the spread. This is the first time they’ve spoken out since the start of the pandemic.

Currently, the unit has 18 COVID-19 patients and an additional 10 to 15 patients being treated for other medical reasons. The ITU Consultant Group as said the system has never been so stretched, describing the current vibe as “a major incident with no clear end in sight.”

While a fresh set of restrictions come into effect today, the group is urged the country’s leaders to take further steps and decision if need be. “Hospital workers are doing what they can with the available resources and energies.”

“We expect politicians to do the same in leading the country out of this unprecedented situation by sending the correct messages and taking the – often difficult – decisions in a timely manner,” they said. “A delay of even one week in controlling the spread can have a devastating effect on the health system, particularly in such a small country, with no neighbours to resort to for immediate assistance. We cannot afford to get this wrong.”

The group noted that while cases are increasing, as will the number of patients admitted into hospital, the same amount of doctors, nurses and equipment must be utilized. They said that the cumulative number must also be considered and not just the daily rate as most patients remain in the ITU for a period of 10 to 15 days.

The consultants shared that they understand that it is even more difficult for relatives of these patients to be physically close to their loved ones. “Our staff are doing their utmost to compensate for this human tragedy by dedicating extra commitment to families to deal with the fact that their relatives could be at the end of their life in this surreal environment.”

However, they have expressed that healthcare workers are now showing signs of fatigue and frustration at “selfish behaviour” shown by certain sections of the community. “The majority have young families, are in relationships and building their careers. They are making a huge personal sacrifice to keep patients alive. The least the nation can do is respect this effort by obeying Public Health regulations.”