Government to recruit nurses

The government announced last night that it had started the process leading to the recruitment of nurses. This includes the filling of vacancies for nursing officers and deputy nursing officers.

The process is expected to be concluded in shortly, the government added.

On Monday, the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses complained that there is a shortage of nursing officers in state hospitals.

The union underscored the fact that Finance Minister Tonio Fenech has failed to approve the 175 vacancies of nursing officers leaving wards without a head and the necessary staff compliment.

The union had threatened industrial action unless the government tackled the shortage.