Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia has reported progress in reducing congestion in the Casualty Department of Mater Dei Hospital.

Speaking this morning on One TV, the minister said that for the first time in months, Area Two was empty in the Easter long weekend, even though some health centres were closed.

He said progress was being brought about through improved efficiency.

Motivation and dedication were the keys to reform, he said, adding that he had set up an office at Mater Dei because he believed in 'leading from the front' and having a direct understanding of the problems faced by the staff.

Dr Farrugia said he was working on a number of fronts, including community care, hospital waiting lists, the issue of out of stock medicines, a patients' charter and financial sustainability.

He said progress in community care was 'the trick' to bringing about a general improvement of health services.

He said a new health hub would be built in the south, serving the area that includes Mqabba, Qrendi, Safi and Kirkop, currently served by Floriana health centre.

Another hub would be at Floriana where, apart from the normal health services, it would also cater for the health evaluation of migrants, the immunisation programme and house a government dispensary to cater for any problems in the Pharmacy of Your Choice Scheme.

The third hub would be in Mosta, but since the current building was too small, it would have a satellite in Rabat, which would be modernised. 

The fourth hub would be in Paola, with services moving to the Schreiber area. These hubs, Dr Farrugia said, could also provide some specialised services, easing the load from the outpatients' department at Mater Dei Hospital.

He said the plan also was for services at Gzira health centre to be moved to Zammit Clapp.He said a reform would be carried out at Gozo. The minister observed that the proportion of staff to patients was high, yet there was quite an amount of overtime work.  He said services would need to be improved and facilities had to be modernised. Consultants working in Malta should also work in Gozo.