UPDATE 2: UHM calls off industrial action in hospitals, health centres

The UHM this evening called off industrial action it had planned to take as from Monday in state hospitals, old people's homes and health centres, after a productive meeting with Social Policy Minister John Dalli.

The union on Friday morning gave notice of industrial action after complaining of a lack of progress on long-running issues involving paramedics, ambulance drivers, nursing aides, health assistants, carers and assistant carers. The union had requested a meeting with Mr Dalli in an effort to break the deadlock. The meeting was held this evening.

UHM officials said all issues were discussed at the meeting with the minister and another meeting will be held on Wednesday.

Those present for the meeting included Joe Cassar, Parliamentary Secretary for Health, UHM president Gejtu Tanti, general secretary Gejtu Vella and health workers' sections secretary Jesmond Bonello.

The UHM had warned of the following industrial actions:

· Paramedics and health inspectors not to use the phone,e-mail and pagers.

· Laboratory scientists at the mortuary will not do court-related work.

· Ambulance drivers will answer emergency calls only.

· Nursing aides, health assistants, carers and assistant carers working in homes for the elderly will not answer the phone and will not accompany clients outside the homes.

· Nursing aides, health assistants, carers and assistant carers in health centres and the Outpatients Department will not use the computer and not move from one place to another.

· Nursing aides, health assistants, carers and assistant carers at the public hospitals will not answer the phone, will not accompany patients outside the wards and will not help in the meals service.