Updated 5.30 pm with ministry statement
The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses this morning called industrial action at the emergency department at Mater Dei hospital because of what it called as work conditions leading to unsafe practices.
The nurses are still handling patient needs at the emergency department but they have decided not to do the triage - a process that filters the urgency of attention of patients arriving at the unit.
The action in this department is unprecedented because of the nature of the staff’s responsibilities. The nurses have opted for action that would have the least impact on patients over other options available to them, sources said.
They are still handling emergency calls and assisting ambulance calls while also caring for patients at the emergency unit. Senior nurses from other departments have been assigned to do the triage.
Triage is supposed to be handled by the senior nurses at the department, but a persistent shortage of staff has meant that juniors have been assigned this role leading to a number of resignations because of the stress and demands of the job.
The shortage of staff is leading to unsafe practices and discussions with the government have not led to effective redress of the situation, the MUMN said.
“Nurses are disappointed with the way they are being treated by the hospital’s management. Although agreement is reached on certain points, they never materialise,” the union added.
The complaints include a shortage of staff, lack of uniforms, rosters, safety and security and staff liability. Nurses are not insured for risks they face at work. The report on the health and safety of staff in the department was never implemented, the MUMN said.
Meeting set for Monday - ministry
The government recalled that it would be engaging 125 new nurses from Monday as it confirmed that a meeting with the MUMN had been set for Monday to discuss the thorny issues.
It said Mater Dei's emergency department would remain a priority as evidenced by the increase in the number of both doctors and nurses serving in the section in the last two years as well as an IT system intended to help facilitate patient treatment.
In 85 per cent of cases, patients are seen to in under four hours, the ministry said. Other initiatives included the deployment of ambulances in Mosta and Paola as well as the opening of an emergency department for children.
Government should stop ignoring problem - PN
In a statement, shadow minister Claudette Buttigieg said the action reflected the government's wrong priorities which were leaving a bad impact on the people.
The Nationalist Party insisted the government should stop ignoring the problems at Mater Dei and start addressing the challenges workers were facing.
Those who did not admit there was a problem would not be able to solve it, she pointed out.