The number of ambulances at the Mater Dei Emergency Department is set to increase from 7 to 11 by the end of the year, Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia announced this morning.

This will be possible following an agreement signed with ambulance drivers and porters, who will now be referred to as ambulance respondents. Apart from enjoying better working conditions, the number of ambulance respondents will double from 44 to 88.

The Health Minister said that the aim was to have a more efficient service and reduce the transit time to reach emergency cases especially in the northern and southern parts of the island.

The objective will be to reach the patient within 10 minutes, even for those living in Mellieha and Marsascala. The improved service will see the use of the Mosta and Paola health centres, where an ambulance will be on standby during peak hours.

Asked about the situation at the emergence department the Health Minister said that he was satisfied with the progress registered so far, saying that the objectives set out in the Smart Plan presented in Parliament, on July 3 are being met.

According to this plan work on the introduction of a patients’ tracking system was due to start last month. This system is intended to alert the Emergency Department whenever standard best practices are not being followed.

The plan also calls for more experienced doctors and nurses to be able to cope with the demand during peak times.