Patients needing angiograms no longer have to wait weeks, months or even years as was the case in the past, Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne told Parliament yesterday.

Answering a supplementary question by Anthony Agius Decelis (PL), Mr Fearne said angioplasty – the technique of mechanically widening narrowed or obstructed arteries – was now being carried out within a week of being requested.

The waiting lists had been effectively eliminated through the implementation of new systems at Mater Dei and the good work and efforts of all hospital staff.

The original question was put by Claudio Grech (PN). Answering another question by Mr Grech, Mr Fearne said 166 angiograms were cancelled in 2012, 192 in 2013 and 147 in 2014.

Mr Fearne also announced that the government would, in the coming weeks, be signing a cooperation agreement with Israel on trauma training for doctors.