Independent Inquiry Announced Into Case Of Man Who Died While Waiting At Mater Dei Emergency
Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela has announced a magisterial and independent inquiry into the death of a man who was waiting in the emergency room of Mater Dei Hospital with chest pains.
PN MP Adrian Delia, lawyer Jason Azzopardi, and members of his family have all claimed that Stephen Mangion was told to wait in the emergency ward of the public hospital before he collapsed and died.
“My dearest uncle Stephen Mangion was asked to wait and wait even though he had chest pain until he collapsed and died at the emergency of Mater Dei,” his niece wrote.
“A failed system that needs to change.”
This news of this tragedy emerged yesterday evening and Abela released a statement just past 9am today.
“I understand the anger and disappointment of the late Stephen Mangion’s loved ones and offer them my sincere condolences,” he wrote on social media.
A magisterial inquiry is underway in accordance with the law. Apart from that, an independent inquiry will start which will be scrutinizing the treatment process. I ensure complete transparency in the spirit of good governance.”
“As we enjoy and praise the good [of the system], the shortcomings are addressed with justice and without hiding.”
Azzopardi’s claims
According to lawyer Jason Azzopardi the 55-year-old policeman, first went to the Floriana Health Centre “drenched in sweat” with chest pain. He was then told to go to the A&E ward of Mater Dei.
He wasn’t given an ambulance, Azzopardi wrote, he had to go with his own car.
“You cannot say that this is not involuntary homicide (manslaughter).”
He then appealed to anyone with information to speak to a lawyer and testify in the Magisterial Inquiry that was opened yesterday evening.
PN MP Adrian Delia shared a similar statement with fewer details but with an urge for everyone to “work together” and better the public health system.
“Because with health there are no games and there should be no colours. Let’s work together to find the best solutions. Because we are on the edge of a cliff.”
Stephen’s family confirm the claims
Stephen’s wife further confirmed the claims, sharing a post made to Il-Kotra from someone who witnessed him going into emergency, being told to wait, and collapsing and dying.
“This is about Stephen, now who is going to be responsible. Three hours waiting inside the emergency room.”
Stephen’s daughter reshared a poem titled “Wait, until it’s your turn”.
“Drenched in sweat, with chest pains, in the queue he waits, left outside,” the first verse of the poem written by Saviour Silvio Bianchi poem reads.
It continued by saying he was writhing in pain and begging to know when he’d be seen, before being told to “wait until it’s your turn”.
“But he couldn’t, he collapsed and died.”
Lovin Malta extends its deepest condolences to Stephen’s family and loved ones
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