The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) have issued a joint statement to mark their agreement on a number of issues.

The two parties agreed on recognising nursing as a profession by the conferment of a warrant and on giving due consideration to particular adaptation needed in view of the profession of midwives and nurses. They also agreed to provide more attractive incentives for courses in midwifery and nursing.

The MUMN and the OPM agreed on technical details that will be implemented in the coming weeks and on the immediate need for support and clerical staff at the hospitals.

The opening of the Mater Dei Hospital will improve Malta’s health services, said the two parties, who agreed to collaborate in order to provide the best possible service to patients.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi thanked the union’s council, especially outgoing president Rudolph Cini, for its sterling work and wished the best of luck to the incoming council in its work for the development of health services in Malta.