Malta’s nurses have been wearing black to raise awareness over severe human resource shortages within the country’s health services.

Speaking to Lovin Malta, a staff nurse said that she has been wearing a black shirt while working since 17th June, as instructed by the nurses’ union.

“The black t-shirt started to be worn as soon as the Government took our union to the court,” the nurse explained. 

Asked whether the action is having an effect, the nurse said that “it has gotten people talking because they ask about why we are wearing a black shirt”.

“When we explain the situation they are sympathetic,” she said.

The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses instructed workers to participate in the black t-shirt protest, until the court case hearing scheduled for 27th June. 

The Union was taken to court by the Health Ministry after attempting to speak out and raise alarm about the realities that health workers are facing.

Just yesterday, Lovin Malta spoke with a staff nurse at St Vincent de Paul who detailed how constant resignations and staff turnover means that they are not able to take leave, even when applied for months before.

What do you make of this action?