PN says Gozo hospital staff face uncertain future

The 800 employees of the Gozo general hospital are currently facing uncertainty, as they were informed that the staff would be significantly cut down and that a number of workers would be transferred, the PN said in a statement issued today.

The statement further explained that the party wished to support these workers, and that a number of the workers were currently considering seeking employment in government hospitals in Malta.

“This uncertainty is being created by the government because it is not giving out any of the necessary information about the hospital,” shadow Gozo minister Chris Said said.

Said added that a meeting was held over previous days between the employees and union representatives where employees were informed that the staff was to be significantly reduced under the privatization process.

“According to reports, employees were informed that the best thing to do, was to look elsewhere, otherwise they would be sent to Malta,” Said explained, adding that transfer forms were making employees increasingly uncertain and that the most effected were expected to be lower rank jobs like cleaners and nursing assistants.

The PN added that this development went against prime minister Joseph Muscat’s promise to create more jobs in Gozo.

“The Labour party should be clear about the privatization process and how this process will change things,” shadow health minister Claudette Buttigieg said.

“A number of employees in the hospital, including those in leadership positions are seeking other employment in view of this uncertainty,” Buttigieg added.