Over 80 Surgeries Cancelled As Malta Gynaecologists Warn Nurse Strike Is ‘Dangerous’ For Patients
More than 80 gynaecological surgeries have been cancelled because of the current midwives and nurses strike, proving to be “dangerous” for patients, according to the Malta College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
The college warned that while all nurses, midwives, doctors and allied healthcare professionals do everything in their power to maintain patient safety, the impact of these industrial actions on patient care and safety is “dangerous” and “detrimental”.
“So far, more than 80 gynaecological surgical procedures have been cancelled. Most of these operations were scheduled to investigate symptoms that might be suggestive of cancer,” the health group warned.
Surgery schedules have already taken a blow due to the COVID-19 pandemic and theatre time is already very limited, meaning patients already faced long waiting times for crucial treatment.
The college urged that both the nurses and midwives lobby, MUMN and the Health Ministry work towards an urgent solution as fast as possible.
Their statement comes as MUMN accused the Health Ministry of threatening them and making a U-turn on their promise to consult Cabinet about increasing funding for more salaries.
The Health Ministry has urged for a conciliatory process to avoid keeping patients across Malta’s hospitals in limbo.
What do you make of the college’s statement?
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