MUMN Declares Industrial Dispute Over Understaffed Children's Ward At Mater Dei

The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses have officially filed an industrial dispute against Mater Dei over alleged understaffing in ‘Wonderland,’ a paediatric ward at the hospital, which they describe as unsafe.

MUMN stated that they’ve been raising concerns over the conditions in Wonderland, saying that they “are jeopardising patient safety.”

Wonderland accommodates six more critical care beds than Disneyland, yet they have the same number of nursing staff.

"Rather than increasing staffing levels in Wonderland, Nursing Management has at times resorted to deploying nurses from the relieve pool who lack paediatric experience,” continued MUMN, “There have been instances where no appropriately trained nurses were available.”

MUMN reiterated that they repeatedly called for meetings and changes in how Wonderland is staffed, yet their complaints fell on deaf ears, leading them to escalate the matter.

Directives on the matter will reportedly be issued by MUMN on the 3rd of December. MUMN stressed that these will not affect patient care, but rather, will ensure the safety of staff and children at Mater Dei.

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