The Malta Union for Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) said that it cannot tolerate its members being in more danger in Mount Carmel Hospital because of the “abuse” they suffer at the hands of the illegal immigrants in the detention centres. It alleged migrants were self-harming in order to be taken to Mount Carmel Hospital, and thus, occupying much-needed beds. Later, the union announced that these migrants were being relocated after its complaint. The Commissioner for Mental Health reacted to this saying that it is “grossly unfair” to allege ulterior motives for admission, whilst the Malta Refugee Council called MUMN’s statement “insensitive” to the desperation and fear the migrants live in.

The Court has limited the industrial action by the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, ordering to withdraw directives which were deemed detrimental to the patient’s wellbeing. On Friday, the court ruled that the industrial action ordered by the union can go ahead except for directives which could place patients’ health at risk. Mr Justice Robert Mangion presiding over the First Hall of the Civil Court also disallowed any action that was to be taken by nurses working at St Vincent De Paul and Karin Grech Rehabilitation Hospital.

The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses on Wednesday defended in court a decision to order industrial action, with union chief Paul Pace insisting that nurses should be paid at the same rates as other healthcare professionals. 

L-infermiera u l-qwiebel għandhom ir-rwol vitali fil-provvediment tas-servizzi tas-saħħa. Dawn huma nies li jiddedikaw ħajjithom jieħdu ħsieb ommijiet u tfal: jagħtu tilqim li jsalva l-ħajjiet, u pariri dwar is-saħħa; jieħdu ħsieb l-anzjani, u b’mod ġenerali jieħdu ħsieb il-ħtiġijiet essenzjali tas-saħħa li jinqalgħu kuljum.  Ta’ spiss huma l-ewwel punt ta’ referenza għall-kura fil-kommunitajiet tagħhom.