A visit by a Times of Malta reporter to the Gozo hospital yesterday morning seemingly contradicted concerns raised by the nurses’ union that there was a greater risk of infection than at any other hospital.

On Monday the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses published a letter it had sent to the Health Ministry’s permanent secretary, threatening industrial action over the “mess” at the Gozo General Hospital.

The lack of alcohol hand wash – deemed crucial to prevent the spread of the common bug MRSA­ ­– no bins in wards, toilets without washbasins and a lack of soap dispensers were among shortcomings flagged by the union.

Were it not for the media, probably nothing would have been done

Other criticisms levelled at the Health Ministry concerned mismanagement, understaffing, overcrowded wards and general work conditions for nurses.

On Thursday MUMN president Paul Pace told this newspaper that no improvement had been registered, adding that if the shortcomings were not addressed by January 15, they would have to resort to industrial action.

However less than 24 hours later it transpired that the situation at the Gozo hospital was not quite as bad as depicted by the union.

Basic hygienic facilities except for waste bins were in place and no major overcrowding was noted.

This newspaper visited the female general ward, which had been highlighted as one of the most problematic, but all rooms were equipped with alcohol hand rubs and soap dispensers, while toilets were clean and equipped with washbasins.

In addition the number of nurses on the wards did not suggest they were understaffed.

Contacted by Times of Malta, Mr Pace was surprised but welcomed the improvements.

“Were it not for the media, probably nothing would have been done to alleviate the situation,” he said. Questioned further about the lack of overcrowding on the female ward , he said the situation was at its worst on Mondays, as fewer patients were discharged during weekends.

Regarding staff levels, he said the problem was one of mismanagement.

“Rather than having at least six nurses manning each ward, which is the minimum level required, numbers vary between three and eight, which does not make sense.”

Mr Pace said directives would only apply when nurse numbers fell below the minimum requirement.

Even though the complement of nurses had been significantly increased in recent months, problems persisted due to mismanagement.

He acknowledged that progress had been registered since Thursday on a number of minor issues and that he would be ready to issue a statement to congratulate the government for taking action, come January 15.

On the other hand, he pointed out that authorities still needed to address a number of longstanding issues such as uniforms, lack of reclining beds and ambulances that needed improving.

The MUMN president said if action was not taken on these issues the union would step up its directives.

Attempts to contact the Health Ministry for a reaction were unsuccessful.