The Health Department and the Union Haddiema Magħqudin have reached agreement over issues related to podiatry services and the union had lifted industrial action with immediate effect.

The Ministry of Health said the agreement will ensure that the best quality of service will be provided to patients requiring podiatry services across the health sector.

This will lead to an increase in professionals and support staff in this service whilst proper procedures will result in a more transparent and professional service to the public.

UHM Secretary General Josef Vella and Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne expressed satisfaction at this outcome and agreed on the importance of dialogue to ensure the best interests of staff and patients.

Among the issues was the insistence by the podiatrists that  equipment used for patients’ care must continue to be individually packed after sterilisation.

The UĦM and the Association of Podiatrists of Malta had ordered their members not to use equipment that may be at risk of contamination and thus increase in risk of infection. An agreement with the health authorities had been announced in June but did not come fully into force and industrial action continued.