Mater Dei Hospital Advances Digital Transformation With Full Transition To Electronic Patient Records
Health and Active Ageing Minister Jo Etienne Abela has announced that Ward S4 at Mater Dei Hospital has undergone a full digital transformation of patient record-keeping, following a successful pilot project in recent months.
“Digitalisation in patient care is a priority for this Government,” stated Minister Abela.
It was explained that in recent months, doctors, nurses and other professionals in this ward began using the ‘Patient Dashboard’ digital platform, changing the way patient notes are recorded. The Health Informatics team initially developed this system during the Covid-19 pandemic, with early adoption by the Department of Surgery and Mater Dei’s Outpatients Department.
“Today, we are taking the next step in our digital shift, as one of the hospital’s main wards now operates entirely with digital notes. This initiative is part of the Government’s vision for a broader digital transition and we are committed to extending this transformation to more wards,” Minister Abela added.
The benefits of this change extend beyond convenience. It will enhance patient care and support healthcare professionals by eliminating the risk of lost or damaged physical records and ensuring legible, accessible documentation.
Minister Abela also highlighted that the programme is accessible at the Gozo General Hospital, San Vinċenz and through Active Ageing services.
“This digital transition is a crucial step towards a more efficient, safer and patient-focused healthcare system. It will not only improve clinical outcomes but also support the operational workflow of our professionals. The Government remains committed to this shift, which aligns with Malta’s 2050 Vision,” concluded Minister Abela.
Dr Clifford Caruana, Clinical Chairperson of the General and Vascular Surgery Department, remarked that this change represents not only another environmentally friendly initiative, but also a significant enhancement to patient privacy, ensuring compliance with GDPR regulations.