Health Minister playing ‘political ball game’ – MUMN

The terms of reference that the MUMN has received from the government with regards to the task force that is to be addressing the overcrowding situation is what MUMN President Paul Pace described as an "escalating back policy to increasing beds."

"Until the government is ready to admit that there is a problem with overcrowding at the hospital there cannot be any form of long term solution, which is why the MUMN has refused to be part of the task force," Pace said.

Pace accused Health Minister Joe Cassar of using the task force - that will be responsible for placing extra beds in wards or corridors - to redirect blame for the problem onto another party as a result of the looming elections.

"The need to put the ball in someone else's court is the result of a political ball game that will see patients on stretchers regardless of task force efforts," Pace said.

Pace said that the MUMN would only consider being part of the task force if long term plans were to be addressed. Such long term plans, he said, must include a new wing to the hospital, a man power plan and plan to address the problem of elderly people being left at the hospital with no where to go.

Pace said leaving patients in the corridors was unacceptable, however it was just as bad to increase beds in the wards where resources were lacking.

"Placing another bed in a single room takes away the right of privacy for the patient. It also takes away place for an armchair, which patients need to convalesce if they are to do so without getting bed sores. They also require somewhere to put their clothes and personal belongings, which they are currently having to place underneath their beds. The task force has no right to deny patients the right to proper care, privacy and dignity. "

The current situation also has put further pressure on the nursing staff, Pace said: "This has led to demotivation, anger and even the resignation of some staff members."

Pace also accused Cassar of trying to discredit him (Pace) instead of tackling the problem at hand. He also denied any rumours that he would be running for election as a Labour candidate in the coming elections.