Consultant Prof. Albert Fenech, an MP, has filed a judicial protest before the First Hall of the Civil Court against the Health Ministry, calling for the decision to divide cardiac surgery and non-invasive treatment of heart conditions into two departments to be stopped.

This, he said, is in the interest of patients who need modern and efficient care.

The Malta Independent this morning reported that nine of the 11 surgeons working at the existing cardiac department are against the division of the responsibilities.

Signed by lawyers Andrew Borg Cardona and Jason Azzopardi, the protest points out that in 1995, Prof. Fenech was in charge of the Cardiac Surgery Department at the same time that Prof. Alex Manche was responsible for the Cardiology Department. The two fell under the surgery and medicine departments, respectively.

The separation used to lead to several problems as a result of administrative issues that affected patients and it was decided that the two departments are to be amalgamated into one, known as the Cardiac Services Department, for which Prof. Fenech was chairman until some time ago when he retired.

Following a selection process, Prof. Manche replaced him.

Two weeks ago, the Government Gazette published an application for Chairman of the Cardiology Department which indicates that the minister unilaterally decided to divide the departments once again, setting the clock back 19 years, the protest says.

Nine out of the 11 consultants working in cardiology oppose the decision due to its negative impact and detriment to people’s health.

Prof. Fenech referred to two procedures developed by the integrated department, in which cardiologists and cardiac surgeons work hand in hand in an efficient manner without any coordination problems. The procedures, known as ‘percutaneous Aortic Valve implantations’ and Mitral valve repair operations’, are two examples.

He contends the step to divide the department was taken without any consultation with practitioners and excluded any communication with Prof. Fenech and Prof. Manche.

Prof. Fenech is insisting the work he carried out over the years in patients’ interests does not go down the drain as a result of a wrong decision taken. He has sworn to safeguard patients interests according to his professional oath.  

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2013-11-21/news/heart-surgeons-against-government-plan-to-divide-department-3252289539/