23rd April 2002 : Quality Service Charter for the Iodine 131 Therapy at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital 

During the press conference held to mark the launch of the Iodine 131 Therapy, Dr stephen Brincat, chairman at the Oncology department within Sir Paul Boffa Hospital explained what changes were carried out during these last years which led to the launch of a Quality Service Charter. He said that thyroid cancer patients were previously treated overseas until the necessary equipment and facilities were set up in Malta.

Overseas treatment meant huge expenses to families and the government as well as the inconvenience of having to travel, the impossibility of communication and of doctors keeping a constant eye on their patients.

The charter formalises the practice offered at the unit, providing guidelines as well as information on the conditions, the team of the radioiodine therapy section, and the patient's stay in hospital.

The charter declares in writing the commitment to take care of patients and provide them with all that is necessary, including a room that is equipped with the required facilities.  It also declares the commitment to keep in contact with the patient 24 hours daily.