Mater Dei far from a part-time hospital

Last Sunday was a rare opportunity for me to peruse the Sunday papers. Lying in a hospital bed means you do have the time for such pleasures. And, of course, one of the main articles was the interview with John Dalli, who deemed it fit for the second time - to my knowledge - to attack our state hospital. Although the main targets seemed to be consultants, I was particularly annoyed (given my weakened state I could not feel stronger) to read that he decreed the hospital to be operating on a part-time basis. I can categorically deny this.

Being admitted on a Sunday was irrelevant. The ward was spotless and my room cleaned at least twice in 24 hours. All the staff of Obstetrics 2 worked incessantly throughout the day - and night, thanks to me - always with a smile, a comforting gesture and a dose of humour whenever I was up to it.

My veins had decided to play hide and seek that day and the doctors and nurses showed infinite ability and humanity in dealing with this, continuously apologising for something that was not their fault.

Talking to some of them I discovered that many were working over 12 hours a day for three days on the trot... and never faltered in their dedication or showed how tired they were at the end of a busy shift. They took continuous care of me throughout my stay and there are no words to express my gratitude.

A consultant visited me twice - yes, during a weekend - and was not in a hurry to leave to go for a round of golf or, maybe, a nice day sunning on a deckchair.

I must also thank the surgical team that night - I might be forgiven for thinking that it was 10.30 a.m. and not at night for the enthusiasm and ability they showed in my case.

I also had to go in on Saturday morning and, despite the staggering amount of patients in the Out Patients Department, the staff was very patient and understanding at all times. And I agree completely with what has been said about free health care and social services: the array of latest mobile phones, jewelry and trendy expensive clothes, sported by people at Out Patients, complaining of waiting too long and discussing what they were going to do with their next children's allowance would have easily paid for another ward.

Shortcomings I have no doubt there are many, as in many hospitals all over the world. But, instead of giving interviews to show that he is back in the public eye, Mr Dalli had better seek out the bad apples, name them and act accordingly and, instead of crying foul, he should offer positive solutions and tell us what he is doing to achieve his aims. He should make it worthwhile for nurses and doctors to practise their career, nay, vocation, in Malta. He should not surround himself with yes men who nod enthusiastically at his every command. Instead, he ought to get his hands dirty and show us he is doing something. People are not stupid enough to hang on to every minister's word. Ask those ministers who have not been re-elected.

And while we are on the subject, I remember a certain young Justyne Caruana dissing the hospital. Do us all a favour and criticise constructively or else pay for the services needed elsewhere. You were sorely out of order that day.

Again, a huge thanks to all the staff at Out Patients (Gynae), Obs 2 and the surgical staff working over last weekend. Also a huge thanks to all my friends/family who helped so much.