No industrial action as ministry explains that short-term structural works are necessary

The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) understands that the current temporary structural measures being undertaken at Mount Carmel Hospital are necessary for the 150-year-old building’s longterm structural integrity, and will not be instituting any industrial action, Health Minister Chris Fearne told The Malta Independent yesterday, following discussions with the union.

The Times of Malta reported yesterday how scaffolding and metal support jacks were being used to support parts of the ceiling at the hospital in Attard, which was completed in 1861.

This resulted in the temporary transfer of patients to different wards around the hospital, which the Deputy Prime Minister admitted resulted in overcrowding.

The union had sent a letter to Permanent Secretary at the Health Ministry Joseph Rapa raising concerns over perceptions that both nurses and patients were being subjected to “inhumane conditions.”

However, during discussions, the minister explained to the union that the measures implemented were purely on a shortterm basis and would be resolved over the coming days.

The union and the minister clarified the concerns raised and will be releasing a joint-statement on the issue later on today. Speaking to this newsroom, Minister Fearne said that patients not requiring psychiatric care will be transferred to alternative accommodation provided by social services and private care homes in order to create more space and, as a result, more adequate conditions

for the remaining residents.

Fearne explained that the hospital and ministry first became aware of the problem following the first rain of the summer when water began leaking through the roof in certain wards.

“In the past, only the roof’s membrane would be repaired; however, this time, structural issues were found, and we decided to take action,” Fearne said.

“The hospital is roughly 150 years old and has not seen any sufficient refurbishment in the last twenty years. Naturally, the structure was eroding, and we felt it was imperative to ensure the safety of both patients and nurses.”

“What is ironic is that we were, if anything, being proactive.”

Fearne was also steadfast in assuring the newsroom that the temporary structures currently in place actually made the hospital safer than it previously was.

A firm has already been commissioned to conduct structural studies into the areas concerned and the hospital as a whole, which the minister conceded will take a couple of months, insisting that no patients will be moved back into those areas.

A project manager has also been assigned to oversee the works.

The refurbishment of Ward 2, which was already being undertaken before the transfer, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.