Government is looking to recruit around 200 nurses in 2018 due to expanding health services which necessitate more manpower, with 150 expected to attracted locally through the nursing course at University of Malta,, Health Minister Chris Fearne said.

Addressing a press conference with the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, Fearne said that despite reaching their target of attracting 500 nurses between 2012 and now, increased health care services such as new hospital wards, the building of regional health hubs and the purchase of new equipment requires more staff to work in the sector.

In 2018, the government is looking to recruit around 200 nurses. Fearne encouraged students to consider a career in nursing, especially in the specialised sector of psychiatric nursing.

It is estimated that around 60-80 nurses are needed in the mental health care sector, many of which would be working at Mount Carmel Hospital.

Between 2012 and 2017, a total of 552 nurses were recruited, with the total reaching 3,244.

Despite targets being met, as stated above, a deficit of around 235 nurses still exists today. Students who are interested in this area may obtain a diploma or an accelerated degree in nursing either through the University of Malta or through a course launched through the collaboration of Northumbria University and MCAST.

Government will be looking to recruit nurses locally through the educational programmes as well as outside of Malta.