The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses has urged the authorities to investigate claims by a nurse that she was kicked by a surgeon, and to act against anybody found responsible.

"The Health Division cannot have two ways and two measures and justice needs to be done and be seen to be done," the MUMN said.

It did not mention who the surgeon involved was.

However surgeon Anthony Zammit has publicly denied allegations that he kicked a nurse during a surgical operation last Thursday. The authorities confirmed that they had received a written complaint about the incident.

Dr Zammit, who is the Labour Party's shadow minister for health, said: "I categorically deny the allegations and the alleged wilful bodily harm that I am supposed to have caused the alleged victim.".

The nurse claimed that Mr Zammit took umbrage when she covered a patient's chest at the start of an operation and went on to kick her and push a bucket towards her.

Disciplinary proceedings were launched.

Mr Zammit was to perform thyroid surgery on the lower art of the neck of the patient.

"The nurse covered the patient's chest. I removed the gown and told the nurse that the chest had to be exposed since I might have to open the chest," Mr Zammit said, .

"I told her I should not be in theatre telling her what she should be doing," Mr Zammit aid, but he insisted he did not threaten her.