A new paediatric accident and emergency unit at Mater Dei Hospital was inaugurated today by Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne.

He explained that some 60 children make use of the hospital emergency services every day, making up 20 per cent of the emergency department’s clients.

The new unit would ease pressure on the A&E Department, but, more importantly, it would lead to a better service, he said. 

“Children’s illnesses, their reaction, the psychological impact and the required treatment are different to the adults. Thus we need different approaches and services,” he said.

This service complements the other public paediatric services, including the paediatric surgery, the neonatal and intensive care unit, the paediatric oncology services and the child psychiatry services.

Eleven nurses received specialised training to man the paediatric accident and emergency unit. They will be joined by two new consultants in paediatric emergency services over the coming weeks.