Relatives of patients in the Intensive Therapy Unit can escape the chaos in a dedicated room fitted out with a kitchen, arm chairs, and even a bed for over-night stays.

The Drew Room, was inaugurated today by Health Minister Chris Fearne, who said the space would prove priceless for relatives of patients in life threatening conditions.

“The ITU is one of the most sensitive parts of the hospital and sees around 1,500 patients annually. A lot is said about the patients and the staff who work here, but not so much about the relatives and loved ones who spend hours in these halls,” he said.

The small room, located in the main hall just outside the ITU, was financed by the Rotary Club, and is dedicated to Andrew Abela, a young man whose donated organs went on to change seven people’s lives after he passed away in 2016.

Mr Fearne said the room would prove especially useful for Gozitan families who often had to spend the night in the halls of the ITU or face a long journey back across the channel.

Aside from the rest room, the ITU on Tuesday unveiled another addition – a consultants’ room.

Located in the middle of the bustling ITU, this second room will mainly be used by consultants to update relatives on a patient’s condition.

"This is something that has been needed. It will give more privacy to families going through very difficult experiences," Mr Fearne said.