The nurses’ union has withdrawn its directive instructing nurses to boycott the migration from Boffa Hospital to the new Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre unless the parking problem was resolved.

The number of parking spaces at Mater Dei Hospital was not even sufficient for the patients’ relatives and the staff working at Mater Dei Hospital, let alone for another new hospital, the MUMN said.

Due to the union’s insistence, an official visit was organised by the management of Mater Dei Hospital and members of the Health Division to view the new car spaces.

Since construction works are still being carried out beside the new oncology centre, some 140 parking spaces would be made available for employees, the MUMN said.

The authorities confirmed to the MUMN that construction work on the spaces would be finalised prior to moving from Boffa.

Although plans were in the pipeline for the helicopter pad at Mater Dei Hospital to be converted into a multi-storey car park, the project had not yet started.

The union called for the speedy completion of the project, especially in view of the extension to Mater Dei planned for later this year.

Health Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne had assured the union that parking bays at the helicopter pad will be made available by the end of this year.