[WATCH] First sectoral agreement covering ECG technicians signed

First sectoral agreement covering ECG technicians signed

An agreement secured between the Ministry for Health and the Malta Union for Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) will see ECG technicians benefitting from a progressive increase in their salary.

The is the first time that ECG technicians are being covered by a sectoral agreement and talks have been going on for months, Health Minister Chris Fearne said.

ECG technicians perform diagnostic tests to assess a patient’s heart rhythm and rate.

The agreement also means that workers will benefit from better employment conditions and their salaries will be reviewed every five years. Whilst before ECG technicians could only benefit from up to a salary scale 11, the agreement ensures that workers can now advance in their career, up to a salary scale 8.

“ECG technicians today have a degree and even a diploma. Cardiology has grown to a point that these workers have to be academically trained as well, providing patients with a better service that is also researched,” Fearne said.

According to the minister, in the past patients used to be sent abroad because of the lack of specialised ECG technicians whereas today the services in Malta’s hospitals have increased.

“The fact that ECG technicians are gaining qualifications which they didn’t have before needs to be recognised,” the minister added.

Fearne added that the agreement provides a structure for workers to continue to study whilst in employment.

MUMN president Maria Cutajar and secretary general Colin Galea were present for the signing.