The nurses union could be investigated by the police for possibly “jeopardising” a tender process for the supply of uniforms after claiming these were out of stock for the past two years.

The health authorities warned the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses a statement containing a “stern warning” and threatening to issue directives could be passed on to the police for immediate investigation.

Union president Paul Pace said out-of-stock items were not only limited to “essential drugs” required by the public on a daily basis but was now extended to essential items needed by nurses.

“Even nursing uniforms and shoes have been out of stock for the last two years, a clear sign of neglect by the Health Division and that the nurses’ health and safety is not a major concern,” he said in a statement.

He pointed out that out-of-stock lists became the “rule of the day” with no one in the Health Division accountable. Also, certain key people had a “diplomatic ministerial immunity”, meaning they could not be disciplined and were not accountable for any grave mismanagement.

The union was ready to consider industrial action if the authorities failed to sort out the situation, Mr Pace said.

“If the attitude of sweeping problems under the carpet is convenient for the Health Division, the union will be the one to pull such carpet from under its feet,” he said.

The Health Ministry pointed out that all nurses had a uniform and said the tender was “expected to be concluded shortly”.

“Unfortunately, the recent actions, including Mr Pace’s statement, may have jeopardised the adjudicating process. It is for this reason that the matter may be referred to the police for immediate investigation,” the ministry said.

It insisted the adjudication process could not be interfered with in any way within and outside the ministry, adding it failed to understand Mr Pace’s statement about “diplomatic ministerial immunity”.