Gozo General Hospital is no longer reliant on regular oxygen shipments from Malta, thanks to a 20,000-litre reservoir which will allow it to store oxygen in a cryogenic state.

The large oxygen tank will pump oxygen to a number of new oxygen points installed around the hospital, with demand for the gas expected to surge in coming weeks and months due to COVID-19 and seasonal influenza.

The project by Steward Health Care Malta, which operates the Gozitan hospital, included the replacement of the main vacuum plant and a new distribution system to provide the hospital with an autonomous and continued supply of oxygen for up to six weeks.

The new medical oxygen tank at Gozo hospital.The new medical oxygen tank at Gozo hospital.

The hospital had to date been reliant on large, cumbersome oxygen cylinders which gave it autonomy for only three to four days.

The new set-up includes a Vacuum Insulated Evaporator (VIE) system, which can store liquid oxygen in a cryogenic state. 

Oxygen points have now been installed all around the hospital.

The final piece for the upgrade will be the installation of a new HTM compliant Medical Air compressors System in the coming days.

Steward said the investment complements recent initiatives to expand hospital capacity by an additional 120 beds for COVID-19. Earlier this year, Steward also increased the number of ventilators in Gozo to 25 units. New dialysis machines (CRRT), monitors and oxygen concentrators were installed.

Upgrades are being planned by Steward for the physiotherapy outpatients department at Karin Grech Hospital as well as the Emergency Department at Gozo General Hospital. 

“As part of our preparedness for COVID-19, Steward Health Care Malta has invested significantly in reliable equipment and enhanced infrastructure in its hospitals with the intention to provide the best possible care to patients, whilst keeping our staff safe. We are leaving no stone unturned to be able to deal successfully with the pandemic and the patients’ needs,” Nadine Delicata,
executive director and president of Steward Health Care Malta said.

 

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