Ambulances meet international standards - Mater Dei

All ambulances in use adhere to internationally recognised standards at all times and any vehicle certified as “not usable” is not in service until the necessary repairs are carried out, Mater Dei Hospital said this morning.

In a statement, the hospital referred to claims by the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses on Sunday that the emergency ambulance fleet was in an unacceptable state and unsafe.

The hospital said the hospital’s biomedical department always ascertained that ambulances were in a good state and repairs were usually carried out within 24 hours or earlier. When parts required were not immediately available, the ambulance would not be used until the repairs were carried out.

MUMN’s allegation that the ambulances were not up to standard was a “serious and irresponsible” allegation which undermined the work performed by the Biomedical Division.

The hospital said the MUMN was also aware of the government’s intention to purchase new ambulances and a contracts tender for 11 ambulances was issued last year.