Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne. Photos: Matthew MirabelliParliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne. Photos: Matthew Mirabelli

The government is committed to driving down stress levels for nurses as well as increasing their job satisfaction, according to Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne.

In his reaction to a study which found that nurses are suffering from burnout and are treating patients in an impersonal way as a result, Dr Fearne said: “The Health department intends to continue working together with all stakeholders, including the Faculty of Health Sciences, the nursing union and the management at both public and private hospitals to ensure that this job satisfaction is attainable and to find ways to decrease stress levels to a minimum.”

The findings of the study, which were published in The Sunday Times of Malta, showed that burnout was high among the majority of Maltese nurses, exposing a “worrying reality” that requires immediate attention. The study found that 90 per cent of the nurses interviewed in three hospitals across Malta reported high levels of de-personalisation – where burnout leads them to view dealing with patients as a chore.

Many nurses are reported to be suffering from burnout – or de-personalisation.Many nurses are reported to be suffering from burnout – or de-personalisation.

In Gozo, a second population survey of 121 Maltese nurses working in the general hospital revealed that 88 per cent suffered from a feeling of de-personalisation.

The study measured burnout in three aspects – emotional exhaustion, de-personalisation and personal accomplishment.

Among the recommendations put forward in the report – compiled by University of Malta lecturer and clinical psychologist Michael Galea – are to have a better nurse-to-patient ratio, give more job-related rewards and provide social support at work.

The head of the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, Paul Pace, said he expected the government to implement the recommendations made in the study, which backed what his union had long been saying: that nurses were reaching breaking point.

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