The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses yesterday lifted directives issued to nurses ordering them not to go out with the ambulances after positive developments following a cordial meeting with the Health Division. The directives were scheduled to be implemented as from today.

Speaking to The Malta Independent, MUMN President Paul Pace explained that the union issued the directives after a number of issues concerning the nurses’ health and safety had not been resolved.

This week, the union issued directives to its members ordering them not to go out, as from today, with ambulances that are called out on an emergency. However, these directives were withdrawn after the MUMN held a meeting, which it described as “cordial”, with the Health Division.

Mr Pace explained that that the union decided to take action over a number of issues. “The union received complaints that the ambulances are not well-maintained and dangerous to any person who goes inside,” he said.

Furthermore, added Mr Pace, the equipment in the ambulances is not up to standard and in some cases, lacking, and cannot be used on the patient.

The union is also calling for a change in legislation. “Nurses are not allowed, by law, to administer certain medicines to patients. As a result, the union is calling for a change in legislation allowing them to administer medicines to patients who are in critical condition.”

In a letter sent on Tuesday to the Health Division, the MUMN said that it will no longer accept that the lives of their members are put in danger. “These vehicles are driven at an excessive speed and the nurses’ lives are being placed in great danger. I would like to remind you that these nurses were never given an insurance policy for this life-threatening situation.”

The letter also stated that the union had issued directives to its members unless a number of guarantees were given.

The union requested a written guarantee that the ambulances are well maintained and fulfil all road safety conditions.

It also wanted a guarantee that all the equipment in the ambulance was fully functional and tested by the nurses.

The union also requested putting together pre-hospital teams, which will be headed by nurses, to accompany ambulances out on emergencies.

It also called for a change of legislation allowing nurses to administer certain medicines and stated that this change has to be made within a fortnight.

Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Pace explained that these directives were put on hold after yesterday’s meeting.

“We hope to have another meeting with ministry officials next week. At the end of the day, we want our members to be motivated and take pride in what they do and not feel as though they are not competent,” he said.