MUMN called the way in which Primary HealthCare (PHC) is trying to remedy the industrial action being taken by the union as "irresponsible."

On 27 July, The Malta Independent was informed that MUMN members working in primary health centres were undertaking industrial action after PHC directives. A memo was previously issued which said that the colour coding system for filtering patients based on Covid-19 symptoms and other illnesses or injuries, is to be removed. This led to the industrial action. 

"The decisions taken clearly show that the health and safety of the nurses was brushed aside," MUMN President Paul Pace said.

PHC have since then been in contact with the union and suggested two options in order to remedy the situation, Pace said.

Care workers or clerks to take care of 'triage'

PHC has suggested that care workers or clerks would now take over the role of Covid-19 'triage', Pace said.

MUMN was quick to respond by stating that "although we have the utmost of respect for care workers and clerks, having non-medical personnel assessing patients is highly illegal."

He said that PHC also suggested that the care workers and clerks would be under the supervision of a medical professional such a nurse or a doctor. "Under the remit of a legal clinical setting, clinical decisions cannot be taken by non-medical personnel", the MUMN President said.

Foreign Nurses through private contractor to take care of 'triage'

Another proposal is to use foreign nurses, Pace said.

He said: "MUMN cannot fathom how PHC would be negligent enough to propose foreign nurses knowing well that such nurses are not only not fluent in the English language, but do not speak Maltese at all."

He aired his concern that this would cause confusion. 

The MUMN said that these decisions have not taken into account the health and safety of the nurses already working there. "No respect was shown to the nurses and their families, parents and children"

"While the directives are a 100% success, MUMN urges staff to keep following the directives since these are a result of negative decisions take against the nurses who are giving a sterling service in the community and the MUMN considers all nurses the front-liners of this Covid-19 pandemic.  Front-liners should be treated with respect and not just be used for smiley photos when convenient."

The Malta Independent has sent questions to the Health Ministry, however they have not yet answered.