Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this evening did not exclude that the St Philip's Hospital acquisition agreement may be signed before the Public Accounts Committee starts discussing it on Wednesday.

Speaking during a meeting with the MUMN, he said the agreement was being drafted and it would be signed once it was completed, whether it was before or after Wednesday's PAC meeting.

The committee, however, would be given all relevant documents, including the agreement or draft agreement, he said.

He said the advantage of the acquisition of St Philip's Hospital was that some 100 beds would be immediately available for patients. Furthermore, the site allowed expansion, and it was close to Mater Dei Hospital.

Paul Pace, secretary-general of the MUMN noted that his union had called for rehabilitation facilities and Malta would need every bed that was available.