It was announced today during a live stream of an ongoing parliamentary session on Deputy PM and Health Minister Chris Fearne’s Facebook page that new measures are being put in place in anticipation of further Corona cases in Malta.
“Malta always had 20 beds in the ITU. From observing other countries dealing with COVID-19, we know that we will need more beds,” Chris Fearne stated, adding that the dreaded virus can spread to the lungs in some cases: “We will need monitors, ventilators and specialised doctors and nurses to take care of patients in these situations,” he said.
As such, the number of beds in the ITU will be multiplying by five to reach a total of 100, complete with all necessary medical devices. Of these, 60 have been installed already and preparations are being made for the last batch of 40 beds.
Additionally, a new hospital will be built with 90 more beds – 60 with ventilators and 30 with high dependency units. Chris Fearne also confirmed that a number of doctors and nurses have received adequate training to assist patients during the pandemic.