Updated | Delays in recruitment of nurses caused by non-approved funds

Nurses union calls on Finance Ministry to approve necessary funds

The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses urged the Finance Ministry to approve the necessary funds, allowing the recruitment of nurses.

In a meeting the nurses union had with the Health Department, the union was told that the required funds had not been approved causing a delay in the employment of newly-graduated students or nurses who want to return to the workforce.

“We cannot fathom how the government is announcing new investments and projects in the health sector and hold back money at the same time,” the MUMN said.

MUMN said Malta was suffering from a huge shortage of nurses – a problem that would continue to increase once the private investments in St Luke’s Hospital and the Gozo General Hospital come into force.

“It is unacceptable that required funds are not being approved. At this rate, there won’t be enough nurses to work in the new hospitals. It is useless for MUMN to hold yearly campaigns encouraging students to take on nursing as a career if then the government doesn’t commit the necessary funds,” the union said.

It called on the Prime Minister to intervene and authorise the Finance Minister to allocate the funds required for the recruitment and employment of nurses.

In a reaction, the Health Ministry said Konrad Mizzi and Chris Fearne communicated with the unions “where government made its position clear on the recruitment of new nurses and funds tied to the process”.

“The government deems the recruitment of nurses and healthcare workers as a priority,” the ministry said in a statement adding that the number of nurses will continue to increase as projected and needed for the country.

“The government is fully committed to encourage more people to join this profession while creating new work places for nurses.”