MAM downplays rift with nurses, calls for cooperation between healthcare professionals

The Medical Association of Malta (MAM) has said it did not intend to take over nursing management, as was being suggested by nurses' union MUMN through the setting-up of a strategic business unit (SBU) for the running of Mater Dei Hospital.

Reacting to MUMN's recent comments in the media, MAM secretary-general Martin Balzan said the MUMN's position was based on several misconceptions, but specified that relations between both unions remained good.

The setting of the SBU was objected to by the nurses, but the MAM said it agrees with the principle although an official position has yet to be taken, until more details are announced.

"What's sure is that we don't want nursing management, but more cooperation is needed between healthcare professionals. We are in favour of more coordination between different units in the health care system for a better result," Martin Balzan said.

However they underlined that since doctors are the most knowledgeable in health services, they need to be consulted in the process of decision making.

"Consultants take ultimate responsibility for patient care, and consequently it is their role to give their clinical input on improvement in quality and future development or the health services."

MAM's president Gordon Caruana Dingli remarked that the setting up of this unit was recommended by the Johns Hopkins report, and that the SBU should serve to promote team work and co-operation amongst all groups of health care professionals at Mater Dei.

He noted that the proposed SBU would increase efficiency in the sector, but this was not enough.

“With certain reforms, an increase in efficiency is possible. But efficiency alone cannot cope with the large number of patients, which is more than what our current health system can afford,” Caruana Dingli said.

He added that a 5% annual increase in request for operations was registered for the past six years, increasing the burden on the health care system that already has to deal with an aging population.

Both Caruana Dingli and Martin Balzan refused to delve whether a new hospital was the solution to this problem.

The MUMN had issued directives for nurses working in Boffa Hospital in Floriana, after they claimed that the proposed Strategic Business Unit (SBU) is up and running without the union's agreement.