When Should You Go to Mater Dei Emergency Department?
Emergency departments are designed for emergencies. Knowing the difference protects you - and the people who need them most.
Key takeaways
- Go to emergency (or call 112) for serious, urgent or life-threatening conditions.
- Patients are seen by urgency; minor problems can wait a long time.
- For ordinary minor illness, a GP, pharmacist or online doctor is usually more appropriate.
What Mater Dei is
Mater Dei Hospital is Malta’s main acute general teaching hospital, providing extensive hospital and specialist services, including the main emergency department. In Gozo, Gozo General Hospital provides hospital services.
Go to emergency or call 112 for
- Chest pain or severe breathing difficulty
- Stroke signs: face drooping, arm weakness, speech problems
- Serious injuries, suspected broken bones, heavy bleeding
- Severe allergic reactions
- Loss of consciousness, seizures, sudden confusion
- Severe abdominal pain or signs of serious dehydration
Usually better elsewhere
- Colds, sore throats, mild fever
- Mild rashes and insect bites
- Repeat prescriptions or medicine questions
- Medical certificates
- Long-standing problems that have not suddenly worsened
For these, a GP - public, private or in a pharmacy - or an online consultation is normally the right first step.
Why waits happen
Emergency departments triage by clinical priority. Patients with minor problems can wait many hours while more urgent cases are treated.
If in doubt
If you think it could be life-threatening, call 112. Do not delay emergency care to avoid a queue.
This information cannot diagnose your symptoms or replace individual medical advice. For a medical emergency in Malta, call 112.
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Sources and references
Related guides
Emergency Medical Care in Malta: When to Call 112
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Public GP or Private GP in Malta: Which Should You Choose?
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