The new Mater Dei Hospital will officially open on June 29, The Sunday Times reported it has learnt. This means the new hospital will open two days before the original target date.
After Mater Dei is opened by Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi, an open weekend will be held on June 30 and July 1 for the public, who will be able to visit the hospital and take part in a number of organised events.
Over 9,000 people have already visited the hospital site since 2001. They included representatives of trade unions, councils, professional associations, political parties, voluntary organisations and other non-governmental organisations. After contractor Skanska delivers the hospital, which cost around Lm200 million, a carefully phased migration will start immediately and the hospital is expected to be fully operational within three to four months of opening, The Times added.
The new Mater Dei hospital is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said earlier this month. The transfer of services and patients from St Luke’s Hospital to the new hospital should be completed within three to four months after Skanska hands the hospital over to the government.
Prime Minister Gonzi had said that the government will continue investing in nurses and support staff. In fact, over 400 vacancies - ranging from senior house officers to receptionists - have already been advertised in addition to the 3,700 staff members who are already at St Luke's Hospital.
More than 90% of the Mater Dei building has already been handed over to the Government. Main contractor, Skanska Malta JV has passed on the responsibility to Medical Services Foundation in order to complete the last phase of the hospital.
