The number of patients with minor complaints who walk into Mater Dei Hospital’s emergency ward over the weekend fell by five per cent since the government launched an alternative service at Saint James Hospital.

We encourage the public to visit a family doctor or health centre before going to the department, unless it’s a real emergency

In the eight weekends between May 4 and June 25, a total of 397 patients classified as Priority 3 went to the Saint James Hospital’s Żabbar clinic while 263 went to Sliema’s Capua.

Launched last May, the agreement between the government and Saint James allows patients with non life-threatening complaints to be treated for free at the private hospital’s clinics.

While Priority 1 cases involve patients with life-threatening injuries, Priority 3 cases are usually non-urgent complaints.

A total of 35 patients resorted to the Żabbar private clinic in the first weekend, with the number rising steadily to 69 people over eight weekends.

Meanwhile, 24 patients used the Sliema hospital for the first time when it was launched and 39 others in the last weekend under review.

The Health Ministry said it was “satisfied” that the number of people using the new service was on the increase.

In an attempt to shift patterns, medical staff were informing patients classified as Priority 3, who still walked in Mater Dei Hospital during the weekends, about the free service at Saint James clinics. However, the majority preferred to wait even though they were offered free transport to the private hospitals and back, the spokesman said.

However, the service is still in its infancy and one needs to analyse data on a longer period to evaluate the real impact.

It is calculated that each patient resorting to emergency requires approximately an hour’s attention from medical professionals at Mater Dei Hospital, according to the spokesman.

“We encourage the public to visit a family doctor or health centre before going to the emergency department, unless it’s a real emergency,” he said.

Patients are urged to call 2329 9999 for more information about the services available at Saint James.