Medical High Dependency Unit opens at Mater Dei Hospital

A new ten-bed Medical High Dependency Unit (HDU) has opened at Mater Dei Hospital, expanding the hospital’s capacity to care for patients with severe illnesses who require close monitoring and enhanced medical support.

The unit, announced by Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela, is designed for patients who need a higher level of care than that provided in a general ward, but who do not yet require invasive mechanical ventilation or intensive life support in the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU).

Minister Abela said the Medical HDU will play a crucial role in the management of complex medical cases, allowing patients to be monitored continuously following initial stabilisation in general wards. The facility enables timely transfers to ensure patients receive high dependency care when their condition requires closer observation.

He explained that the medical and nursing staff assigned to the unit have undergone specialised training to manage the complexities typically associated with serious illnesses treated in such a setting.

To support patient care, the unit has been equipped with continuous parameter monitoring systems, upgraded electrical infrastructure and specialised medical equipment. This includes ventilation machines capable of delivering non-invasive respiratory support such as CPAP and BIPAP, as well as an on-site blood gas analyser to assist with rapid clinical decision-making.

The project represents an investment of approximately €450,000, Minister Abela said, underscoring the Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services.

“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,” the minister concluded.

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