A recent The Times editorial offered a number of sensible options that the present Adminisration could consider for an increase in hospital bed capacity, such as an extension of some kind to Mater Dei or elsewhere, or failing that, other sites such as the old Karin Grech and St Luke’s Hospital. For whatever reason, the editorial failed to include St Philip’s Hospital as a possible alternative.

Information comes in many shapes, from indisputable facts to mere gossip. It has been rumoured for quite some time that the Administration intends to purchase the now defunct St Philip’s Hospital to take over a rehabilitation role. That will go a long way in alleviating the current acute hospital bed shortage.

The Administration’s intention in this regard should be made available to the public unless there is a pressing reason why this should not be the case.