The government would not comment on a damning report by the Office of the Ombudsman on how Mater Dei’s former nursing head was ‘humiliated’ by being transferred to another hospital.

The Ombudsman’s office concluded Charmaine Attard suffered “humiliation, pain, suffering and her dignity had been trampled on” when she was transferred in violation of her contract.

Asked for a reaction, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne refused to comment at this stage and said he would wait the conclusions of Ms Attard’s court case against her employer.

If this was not possible, she should be awarded €2,000 in compensation

While praising Ms Attard for “the sterling work” she is doing in her new position at Karen Grech rehabilitation hospital, Mr Fearne said he was not yet aware of the contents of the Ombudsman’s report but would give it due importance once it reached his office.

Mr Fearne was appointed Parliamentary Secretary a few weeks ago. Ms Attard was transferred while Godfrey Farrugia still headed the Health Ministry.

Health Commissioner Charles Messina investigated the case and concluded the authorities had acted incorrectly and, “as of right”, Ms Attard should “ideally be placed in the position where she was before.”

If this was not possible, she should be awarded €2,000 in compensation, Mr Messina concluded.

Following the Ombudsman’s recommendations, Ms Attard filed an application in court against the Prime Minister, the Health Minister and the Foundation for Medi-cal Services.

She is calling on the court to order her reinstatement at Mater Dei and for the authorities to pay damages she suffered.