The nurses’ union insists that Mater Dei Hospital is too small for its purpose, but Health Minister Joe Cassar disagrees, insisting that improving work practices would be sufficient.

The Malta Union of Nurses and Midwives is so far refusing to join a task force the ministry set up to address bed shortages at Mater Dei Hospital. On Tuesday, union president Paul Pace explained that it would have joined the task force – which involves all other unions representing hospital employees – if the government started to come up with long-term solutions.

The union’s suggestions include either extending Mater Dei Hospital or building a new hospital – possibly alongside Mater Dei. But when asked to comment on the union’s suggestions, Dr Cassar dismissed their need.

“The first thing I would ask about the union’s proposals is what scientific studies were carried out before they were made,” the minister said, adding that the studies commissioned by government confirmed that the problem was not one of a lack of beds or space.

However, the studies did show that the hospital was not being used as effectively as it could, due to existing work practices. Only if these work practices remain unchanged could the hospital be considered to be insufficient to meet the country’s needs, the minister argued.

Dr Cassar provided some examples, including the routine admission of surgery patients on the eve of their operation. He noted that this was not necessary in many cases, and admitting patients on the day would help free beds.

Minor surgical interventions – such as those treating carpal tunnel syndrome – could easily take place in regional health centres, the minister argued. Moreover, extending the opening hours of outpatient services would help ease the demand for inpatient services, the minister said.

Dr Cassar noted that there were many other decisions which could be taken, adding that this was why the task force was set up.

The minister said that the MUMN was still invited to join the task force, and urged it to reconsider their position. He added that he was yet to rule out a change of heart on the union’s part, having met MUMN officials for informal discussions yesterday morning. The two sides may disagree over the way they interpreted each other, but ultimately shared the same aim, Dr Cassar said.