Doctors Need A System That Protects Their Wellbeing, Says Momentum

Momentum has expressed its support for Malta's doctors and other healthcare professionals after concerns were raised about long working hours, inadequate rest and the impact these conditions are having on both staff wellbeing and patient safety.

Momentum executive member Graziella Spiteri said reports of doctors working shifts of up to 32 hours, receiving insufficient supervision and having to drive home after prolonged duties point to wider problems within the healthcare system rather than individual resilience.

Spiteri said doctors deserve a system that protects their wellbeing while allowing them to provide the high quality care patients expect. She called for reforms including better staffing levels, proper rest periods, improved supervision, safe transport for doctors after extended shifts and confidential access to mental health support.

Momentum said it has already put forward proposals aimed at easing pressure on the healthcare system. These include the establishment of additional 24-hour regional health centres to reduce demand on Mater Dei Hospital and bring healthcare services closer to local communities. The party has also proposed a more person centred approach to healthcare, together with stronger investment in services such as palliative care.

Spiteri urged the Government to listen to doctors raising concerns about their working conditions and begin a meaningful process of healthcare reform in consultation with medical professionals and other healthcare workers.

She said healthcare professionals cannot be expected to continue carrying what she described as an unsustainable burden while being told it is simply resilience. Spiteri added that a healthcare system should also care for the people who keep it running, stressing that patients also benefit when the doctors treating them are properly rested and not overworked.

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