Prime Minister Gonzi added that the new Mater Dei hospital gives a physical appearance to the value of solidarity.  Gonzi described the new hospital not as a government project but as a project that implements  the principle value in the building of our society in a concrete manner.

The Prime Minister believes that the management, consultants, doctors, nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers, psychologists, paramedics, ancillary staff and NGO’s are all determined to change this building in a centre that caters for the well being of our nation. 

Dr Lawrence Gonzi emphasised the NGO’s role.  They can  collaborate with other professionals  to give  a valid contribution and service in an organised manner, in order to provide a holistic recovery.

The opening ceremony consisted of a colourful light show, where big drapes covered the main entrance as the Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi declared the hospital open.  A helicopter landed on the helipad and the ambulance sirens were heard.  Local artists including soprano Lydia Caruana participated in the show.  Maestro Brian Schembri conducted a string concerto while Brian Cefai lead more than 50 chorists. The national anthem adapted for the harp was sung.

After the ceremony, Prime Minister Dr Gonzi together with Health Minister Louis Deguara and Parliamentary Secretary Tonio Fenech toured the new hospital.

The migration process is expected to kick off in July with the transfer of the administration, management and support services, followed by the Outpatients Department. Wards are expected to migrate to the new hospital around the end of August and the beginning of September. The hospital is expected to be fully functional by the end of the year.

The new hospital running weekly costs are estimated to add up to Lm1.2 million.  The Mater Dei hospital project has cost the sum of  Lm221.5 million plus VAT.

The general public is invited to visit the new hospital on Saturday and Sunday.