Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne yesterday promised trade unions representing the health sector that the government would work closely with them and would consult them before taking decisions.

Speaking during a meeting of the Select Committee on Health, Dr Fearne said the government was committed to simplifying its procedures to ensure collective agreements were implemented without undue delay.

The committee heard officials of several trade unions who raised their concerns.

Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin secretary general Josef Vella complained the union had been informed of government decisions through the media.

Mr Vella added there was a parking problem at Mater Dei Hospital and Karen Grech Ward.

Former health minister Geoffrey Farrugia said the helipad at Mater Dei would be converted to a car park, creating 179 spaces. The hospital’s roof would be used as a helipad.

GWU official Josef Bugeja said people on different scales who did the same work were paid differently, sometimes up to €6,000 per year.

Paul Pace, president of the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, said nurses could not give personalised care in corridors.

Concluding, Dr Fearne emphasised the government and trade unions were partners working together for the benefit of patients.

He also thanked Opposition health spokesman Claudio Grech for being constructive in his criticism.