Patients in Gozo requiring urgent medical treatment can now reach Mater Dei Hospital faster, thanks to a new helipad built directly within the grounds of Gozo General Hospital.The €800,000 project, officially inaugurated on Wednesday, is already reducing emergency transfer times by approximately 10 minutes, potentially making a life-saving difference for patients facing critical medical emergencies.Previously, patients requiring emergency helicopter transfers had to be transported by ambulance from Gozo General Hospital to the Xewkija Heliport, adding around 10 minutes to their journey. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)With the new facility now operational, patients can be transferred directly from the hospital by air ambulance, eliminating the additional journey.The development is particularly important for patients suffering from heart attacks, strokes, major trauma and other life-threatening conditions requiring specialised treatment at Mater Dei Hospital.Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri officially inaugurated the facility, which was developed by the Foundation for Medical Services in collaboration with Gozo General Hospital.According to Borg, 130 patients required emergency helicopter transfers from Gozo to Mater Dei throughout 2025.Since the new helipad became operational a few weeks ago, it has already been used for three patient transfers.“These precious minutes can save lives,” Borg said, highlighting how improved infrastructure and coordination between hospitals can make a significant difference in emergency care.Camilleri echoed this sentiment, stressing that the investment would help ensure Gozitan patients requiring urgent specialist treatment can reach Mater Dei as quickly as possible.He said the project forms part of wider efforts to strengthen healthcare services in Gozo and improve access to essential medical treatment.The new helipad has been equipped with perimeter and touchdown lighting to allow night-time operations, alongside additional safety features.Before becoming operational, the facility underwent testing and certification, while emergency teams, firefighters and other hospital personnel participated in training and simulated patient transfers.The project also builds on improvements carried out at Mater Dei Hospital, where the helipad was upgraded and reopened in December 2024 after being out of operation for several years due to technical difficulties.Together, the two helipad projects are now reducing emergency patient transfer times between Gozo and Mater Dei by approximately 25 minutes.Meanwhile, further developments are planned at Gozo General Hospital, including an expanded Outpatients Department, a new Pharmacy Department with automated preparation of oncology treatments and improved cancer care services.Other planned upgrades include enhanced diagnostic and laboratory facilities, operating theatres and critical care services.These investments form part of a broader strategy to transform Gozo General Hospital into a modern healthcare campus offering more comprehensive medical services to Gozitan residents.For patients facing medical emergencies, however, the immediate benefit is clear: fewer minutes spent travelling and faster access to potentially life-saving treatment.Video credits to @fms.mt•