Emergency measures are being taken at Mater Dei Hospital to enable the hospital to cope with a huge intake of patients as a result of the flu.
The hospital's administration said on Sunday that after consultations with medical professionals and administrators, it had been decided that several areas normally used for day cases would be temporarily used for inpatients.
READ: Flu cases double, piling pressure on hospital staff
A number of non-critical interventions will be postponed to the near future. Operations related to cancer or other urgent cases will not be affected.
Hospital CEO Ivan Falzon confirmed on Sunday evening that 26 non-critical interventions scheduled for Monday had been put off. He did not exclude postponing further operations due to be held on Tuesday.
Times of Malta reported on Thursday that the number of people admitted to hospital with influenza grew by 15 per cent despite an increased uptake of the flu vaccination of 28 per cent.
Staff at Mater Dei #MDH and #Health Centres working around the clock to deal with increased influx of sick patients with professionalism and dedication. You make us proud. #influenza
— Chris Fearne (@chrisfearne) January 7, 2018
The hospital administration regretted any inconvenience caused by its measures, saying it wanted to ensure that the running of the hospital continued in a safe manner and was up to the required standards.
The public was urged to be responsible when calling the emergency services.
The administration also thanked the staff for its service.