The MUMN has welcomed progress made in the Maternity Ward at Mater Dei Hospital, where it had complained of overcrowding and pressure caused by unplanned induced deliveries.

In a statement, the union said the health department had addressed the situation following its recommendations.

As a result, use had started being made of a register for planned inductions and caesarean operations which were not urgent, and they were now being planned and booked. A specialist had been assigned responsibility for the register so as to ensure that deliveries were such as not to cause overcrowding in the Maternity Department.

The guidelines and protocols on inductions were being revised.

The assignment of the workload to the various specialists was also being improved.

The union said such changes were expected to lead to better administration of the ward and safe practice, for the benefit of mothers, babies and staff.

The union said it would continue to monitor progress. While calling for further recruitment of midwives, it said it would also call for the introduction of community midwifery-led clinics to improve services for expectant mothers.

The union thanked the Health Department and those who had helped in this issue.