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More nurses leave their job as shortage persists

More nurses leave their job as shortage persists
Apr 11 2022 Share

Around 120 nurses left their Mater Dei job last year, with the first three months’ figures of this year showing that more healthcare workers are keeping the trend going. 

With the average annual resignations in 2019 and 2020 ranking at about 50, the figure more than doubled last year. The number of resignations in the first quarter of this year exceeded last year’s for the same months, according to Times of Malta. 

This means that, should the resignations continue, the hospital is set to lose even more of its staff this year than it did 2021. The issue was repeatedly raised by the nurse’s union, with a warning last week highlighting the strained situation at Mater Dei as they feared COVID cross-contamination. 

However, authorities shot down the warnings. Data shows that in 2021, resignations by foreign nurses rose up to four out of every five. This is more than the previous two years, which saw one out of every two nurse resignations. 

Many nurses managed to secure better jobs in other countries during the pandemic as those working on the island say that the protocols are making their work more difficult. 

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200,000 COVID jabs donated to Ivory Coast by Malta

200,000 COVID jabs donated to Ivory Coast by Malta
Apr 11 2022 Share

In its largest donation to date, Malta successfully donated another 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines to the Ivory Coast in West Africa. Transported by Air Malta, this makes it the second-longest cargo flight by the company. 

The flight took place on the 7th of April, going on a five hour 45 minute flight to Abidjan, the economic capital of the Ivory Coast. 

Malta’s vaccine donation humanitarian efforts resulted in the delivery of 710,000 vaccine doses. It is a joint effort led by the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade and the Ministry of Health alongside the Civil Protection Department. 

Newly anointed Minister for Foreign Affairs Ian Borg took to social media to announce the donation. 


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Parliament set to open on May 7th

Parliament set to open on May 7th
Apr 11 2022 Share

Sources close to Times of Malta revealed that the opening of parliament is scheduled for the 7th of May. This is six weeks after the March general election, with the ceremonial sitting serving to elect the Speaker of the House. 

The head of state will read from the speakers chair an address written by the prime minister to set out the governmental programme. Initial reports speculated that Prime Minister Robert Abela had chosen former minister for the elderly Michael Farrugia as the next speaker. 

However, Farrugia informed Times of Malta that he had not been offered the role. He has still not ruled it out completely, saying that if it were to come his way, he has the experience and energy to take on the position. 

Meanwhile, lawyer Andy Ellul, now parliamentary secretary for social dialogue, is expected to be the whip of the Labour parliamentary group. Ellul did not answer questions on his appointment. 

President George Vella is expected to chart the way forward of this 14th legislature. 

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Maxine Formosa Gruppetta crowned Miss Universe Malta 2022

Maxine Formosa Gruppetta crowned Miss Universe Malta 2022
Apr 11 2022 Share

Malta has just crowned its Miss Universe Malta 2022, Maxine Formosa Gruppetta from San Giljan. 

The 21-year-old model was chosen by the organisers of the Miss Universe Malta brand, crowned by previous winner Jade Cini. Miss Universe Malta is licensed by Alan J. Darmanin. 

Formosa Gruppetta classified as second-runner up during last year’s edition of the competition. Now, she will be representing Malta in the 71st edition of Miss Universe.

With the date still to be announced, five countries have since confirmed their participation. Maxine will be going up against models from Ghana, Venezuela, Colombia and Kazakhstan, but more will undoubtedly be vying for the Miss Universe title. 

The local model thanked all those who supported her throughout the journey, saying that she is immensely grateful for the opportunity to represent Malta.  


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Photo Source: @maxine_formosegruppetta IG