The nurses’ union has withdrawn a directive instructing nurses and midwives not to board ambulances rented from a private contractor.

In a statement, the Malta Union for Midwives and Nurses yesterday said it had reached an agreement with the Health Ministry on the safety of the whole ambulance fleet.

The issue of hired ambulances created a stir over recent weeks, with the MUMN instructing members not to provide their services from the vehicles. This action forced Mater Dei Hospital to replace nurses with doctors when responding to emergencies.

Later the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin joined in by instructing ambulance porters not to assist inadequately trained drivers.