The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses "declined to attend" a meeting over the situation at Karin Grech Hospital, the Health Ministry has said, adding that another meeting invitation has been extended.

The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) earlier this week expressed its "utmost concern regarding the deplorable situation at Karin Grech Hospital (KGH)," where it said that both patients and staff are "being placed in unacceptable and dangerous conditions due to gross mismanagement and negligence." The MUMN had said that the current state of neglect, managerial incompetence, and systematic failure at Karin Grech Hospital cannot and will not be tolerated. "Immediate intervention is required to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of both patients and healthcare professionals." The union had said that it had been compelled to declare an industrial dispute and to issue Health and Safety Directives to protect its members working at Karin Grech Hospital.

In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing reaffirmed its "unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all healthcare professionals and patients at Karin Grech Hospital."

"The Management takes the concerns of all staff, including nurses and allied health professionals, with the utmost seriousness." The Ministry said that it remains fully committed to maintaining a safe and supportive working environment for all those who dedicate their lives to the care of others.

"Earlier today, the Ministry and hospital management formally invited the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) for talks aimed at addressing the situation constructively. Unfortunately, the union declined to attend. The Government believes that genuine dialogue, not confrontation, is the only way forward to achieve meaningful solutions in the interest of staff and patients alike," the ministry said.

"A further invitation has been issued to the MUMN for a meeting tomorrow morning. The Ministry sincerely hopes that the union will reconsider its position and come to the table for an open and constructive discussion. Management continues to listen and engage in good faith, it is important that all parties act responsibly," the ministry said.