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Nurses Will Block Malta’s Emergency Department Until They Get Proper Insurance

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Malta’s nurses could soon block emergency services at Mater Dei Hospital’s Emergency Department and Mount Carmel Hospital unless they are given occupational insurance.

Malta nurses union and health authorities have been at an impasse ever since two members of staff were assaulted by a patient’s relative. The issue left nurses understandably angry and demanding that they are yet to have any sort of insurance policy.

At present, only members of the disciplined forces are eligible for compensation of up to €180,000 in case of death or injury while on duty.

A Friday deadline to find a solution was not met, leading to the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) to make a threat of serious industrial action. Around 120 nurses are expected to take part.

The Times of Malta reports that patients with a lower priority will not be seen to at the Mater Dei’s emergency department; meanwhile, at Mount Carmel, police will not be informed of patients who fail to return to the hospital after a few days leave.

Speaking to The Times of Malta, MUMN head Paul Pace said:

“Nurses are currently not providing a service in areas three and four, which are the areas for patients requiring assistance of a lower priority.”

“We are now getting to the point where we are about to escalate directives to also include areas one and two which are for high-risk emergencies.”

“Why do we have to always resort to disruption of service to get what is ours?”

READ NEXT: Male Mater Dei Nurse Hid Camera In Female’s Staff Toilet And Attached A Power Bank To Extend Its Life

 

Julian is the former editor of Lovin Malta and has a particular interest in politics, the environment, social issues, and human interest stories.

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