Extended services and new equipment at the Cardio-Respiratory Unit at Gozo General Hospital

The Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, inaugurated the new Cardio-Respiratory Unit at the Gozo General Hospital. Through an investment of €500,000, services are being further strengthened by offering a wide range of specialized tests and services in the cardiovascular and respiratory fields.

Minister Jo Etienne Abela explained that with this investment, this clinic will be offering approximately 21 services related to cardiovascular and respiratory specialties, which will increase to 23 in the coming weeks. Among the services offered are blood pressure monitoring, a cardiac rehabilitation clinic, exercise stress tests, ECGs, an Echocardiogram clinic, an Electrophysiology clinic, a Heart Failure clinic, Holter monitoring, lung function tests, pacemaker and ICD checks, pediatric echocardiograms, as well as Stress Echocardiograms.

Minister Abela stated that this project was carried out over the last eight months as part of the preparations for the expanded facilities at this hospital. The implantable loop recorder (ILR), a review of respiratory PAP machines, and Sleep Study Tests were also introduced. Furthermore, machines for home sleep studies, various CPAP and BIPAP machines, a spirometry machine, a Stress ECG machine, a portable 16-lead ECG machine, and a Renamic Neo machine for pacemaker control have been added.

The Minister further explained that the procurement process for a Plethysmography machine and another Echocardiogram machine is currently underway, so that the Cardio-Respiratory Unit can offer excellent quality services to Gozitan patients within Gozo itself.

"I am satisfied to see the great progress made in this unit. With investments in people, advanced technology, and extended services, we are ensuring care that is more comprehensive, modernized, and responsive to the needs of our society. This is an important and determined step by the Government in favor of the health of Gozitans," concluded Dr. Abela.