The management of St Vincent De Paul Residence (SVPR) failed to take action against a nursing officer who happens to be a disc jockey on One TV over negligence but did not hesitate to initiate proceedings against another nursing officer for similar reasons, The Malta Independent on Sunday has learnt.
The latter is a member of the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses.
In replies to our questions, the secretariat responsible for SVPR said that, as with all other allegations which might arise, if investigations result in a confirmed case of negligence, necessary actions as per stipulated procedures will be taken without distinction and irrespective of who the person is.
Ward doors were left unlocked
Both cases involved patients who walked out of the residence after the main door of the wards were left unlocked. Nursing officers are responsible for anything that happens under their watch.
The more serious case occurred in Pope John Paul II Ward 2 under the watch of the nursing officer who is also a One TV disc jockey, informed sources said. Residents of this ward are dementia patients.
We were informed that the locks of the main door were not functioning and the door was left unlocked, leading to a dementia patient walking out of the residence and found wandering in the vicinity of the Marsa Race Track. The second case in relation to the MUMN member involved a St Joseph Ward 8 elderly patient (not a dementia patient) who wandered off but was found safe and sound.
In the case involving the MUMN member, sources said that the SVPR CEO – Josianne Cutajar – wants to initiate proceedings which could eventually lead to the dismissal of the nursing officer.
Without making reference to this particular case, the MUMN issued a statement protesting with the management for what it described the different way its members were being treated on certain disciplinary cases, when compared to other employees.
In a statement, the MUMN said it had noted that non-MUMN members who were found guilty of breaching regulations were not disciplined or, at best, were only given a mild warning.
Contrary to this, the management took drastic steps against MUMN members for cases that were not so serious.
The MUMN said it is not contrary to disciplinary steps being taken, but there should be equality in the way such cases are dealt with.
This newsroom contacted the MUMN and asked whether the case it was referring to involving one of their members was related to the case mentioned above, and whether there had been any developments in relation to its member in terms of disciplinary action taken against him. A spokesman for the union confirmed that the case they were referring to was the same case raised by this newsroom. The spokesman said that that the union is still awaiting a response from the management of SVPR on whether or not it will be taking action against its member after a meeting was held at the request of the union between the union, the management and the permanent secretary of the ministry to iron out matters.