The planning authority this afternoon unanimously approved the development of an additional two storeys on Mater Dei’s Emergency Department block.

ERDF funds will be sought for the development.

It was noted during the hearing that the block was lower than the rest of the hospital so the general height of the hospital would not be affected.

The two wards would form the Medical Assessment Unit and take 62 to 68 beds. They are intended to reduce crowding at the Emergency Department.

No additional parking spaces were requested.

In 2012 there were 18,000 admissions to emergency department.