Surgeon Anthony Zammit has denied allegations that he kicked a nurse during a surgical operation last Thursday even though the health authorities have confirmed they received a written complaint about the incident.

"I categorically deny the allegations and the alleged wilful bodily harm that I am supposed to have caused the alleged victim," Mr Zammit, who is the Labour Party's health spokesman, said when contacted. He insisted he was not aware of any inquiry by the health authorities.

The nurse alleged that Mr Zammit took umbrage when she covered a patient's chest at the start of the operation and went on to kick her and push a bucket towards her.

However, the surgeon said he was surprised to read about the allegations yesterday in the Nationalist daily newspaper, In-Nazzjon.

"I don't even know if there's an inquiry. You're better informed than I am," he told this newspaper yesterday.

A spokesman for the Health Ministry confirmed that last Thursday a nurse reported "verbally and in writing" the alleged aggression and disciplinary proceedings were initiated against the surgeon in accordance with Public Service Commission Regulations.

The Health Ministry also confirmed that after the incident the nurse was examined at the accident and emergency department.

Mr Zammit was to perform thyroid surgery on the lower part of the neck of a patient.

"The nurse came and covered the patient's chest. I removed the gown and told the nurse that the chest had to be exposed since I might have to open the chest," he said, explaining that in especially difficult thyroid cases that was a possibility.

"I then told her I should not be in theatre telling her what she should be doing," Mr Zammit said, insisting he did not threaten the nurse.

If the allegations prove to be true Mr Zammit could be suspended without pay for up to five days according to the Public Service Management Code.

Meanwhile, Paul Pace, the president of the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, said the union condemned all forms of "verbal and physical abuse" and insisted that if the allegations were proven "disciplinary action should be taken".

He lamented that two months ago a nurse was verbally abused by another staff member at Mater Dei hospital and the health authorities took no action.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com