The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses is to suspend its ongoing industrial action after an agreement was struck to meet with health ministry officials over the weekend to iron out their differences.

Health Minister Chris Fearne made the announcement on Twitter this evening.

The effects of the since Thursday were declared a success in that the effects had been felt nationwide, the MUMN said yesterday.

Contacted by The Malta Independent, the secretary of the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses Colin Galea said that the directives issued by the Union last Thursday have been followed by midwives and nurses around the country.

The industrial action comes at time where the union has described the government of having a lack of sensitivity towards the situation of nurses and midwives in Malta and Gozo.

The union was also prompted by the government not heeding a number of the Union's demands, specifically those related to an Early Retirement Scheme, nursing premiums and some salary compensations.

The directives were comprehensive and wide-reaching, and included measures related to the washing of patients, the answering of patients' calls and the transfer of patients for elective operations unless it is for mothers scheduled for a caesarean section.

The union was also prompted by the government not heeding a number of the its demands, specifically those related to an Early Retirement Scheme, nursing premiums and some salary compensations.

The nursing force is also facing major shortages, according to the union, specifically within Mount Carmel Hospital; and the ITU and operating theatres within Mater Dei, where several operations being cancelled.