Midwives Group Committee: Luciana Xuereb, Chairperson: 79538562; Marie Claire, Secretary: 99827852
MUMN Council Members
Paul Pace - President: 79033033
Colin Galea - General Secretary: 79425718
Alex Manche’ - Vice-President: 77678038
George Saliba - Financial Secretary: 79231283
Alexander Lautier: 99478982
Geoffrey Axiak: 99822288
William Grech: 79011981
Claire Zerafa: 99217063
Joseph Aquilina: 99467687
Alexandra Abela Fiorentino: 79642163
MUMN Office: 21448542
Editorial Board
Joseph Camilleri (Editor) CN M1 MDH
William Grech: 79011981
Alexander Lautier: 99478982
Pubblikat: Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses
Warner Complex, MUMN, Triq il-Vitorja, Qormi QRM 2508 • Tel/Fax: 2144 8542 • Website: www.mumn.org • E-mail: administrator@mumn.org
Il-fehmiet li jidhru f’dan il-æurnal mhux neçessarjament jirriflettu l-fehma jew il-policy tal-MUMN.
L-MUMN ma tistax tinÿamm responsabbli gœal xi œsara jew konsegwenzi oœra li jiæu kkawÿati meta tintuÿa informazzjoni minn dan il-æurnal.
L-ebda parti mill-æurnal ma tista’ tiæi riprodotta mingœajr il-permess bil-miktub tal-MUMN. Çirkulazzjoni: 5,000 kopja.
Il-Musbieœ jiæi ppubblikat 4 darbiet f’sena.
Dan il-æurnal jitqassam b’xejn lill-membri kollha u lill-entitajiet oœra, li l-bord editorjali flimkien mad-direzzjoni tal-MUMN jiddeçiedi fuqhom.
Il-bord editorjali jiggarantixxi d-dritt tar-riservatezza fuq l-indirizzi ta’ kull min jirçievi dan il-æurnal.
Kull bdil fl-indirizzi gœandu jiæi kkomunikat mas-Segretarja mill-aktar fis possibbli.
Ritratti tal-faççata: MUMN
Overpopulation and the effects on nursing
Standing at 563,000, Malta’s population growth is not only unsustainable, but it directly affects our nursing profession. According to a recent study, Malta has seen an increase of nearly 100,000 in its total population in the last decade. Incidentally Malta places the 9th most crowded country in the world on the list of countries and dependencies by population density i.e. 1781 persons/ Km. Even over-tourism, standing at 3 million tourists per year is affecting our A&E and medical facilities.
Apart that in general it is also affecting our quality of life, overpopulation is severely reducing our recreational spaces especially with overbuilt environment, create more traffic congestion, create overcrowding, create pollution and severely affect hospital admissions. Overpopulation is plummeting our quality of life. Although most of the Maltese people have expressed their concerns with the country’s current population size, in general, many are still happy with the health services, up till now.
Malta continues to attract foreign workers, and this has changed our demographic profile. Another factor affecting demography is our aging population and the projected growth
of the oldest old. Poverty is another issue affecting our demography and therefore affecting nursing too. This is because deprivation is strongly linked to hospital admissions.
These shifts take on added importance and urgency in the context of a rapidly changing health care system, placing intense stress on the system as it tries to hold down expenditures and, at the same time, increase access and maintain quality of health care. Changes in population imply changes in the health care services that will be needed in the years ahead, especially among the elderly population. The implications of the population change on the demands for health care services in hospitals and nursing homes and the supply of an adequate nursing workforce to provide these services is overwhelming.
The population of the Malta has increased substantially, whilst some predict that this trend might continue to increase to 668,000 inhabitants by 2050. This is therefore increasing our population by 20,000 per year. The high level of regular and irregular immigration is a major factor contributing to the projected growth
of the Maltese population. A surplus of 35,000 TCNs and the suspicion of more unregistered workers (200k?) complicates matters. People who are employing clandestine workers in Malta are also undermining wage pressure in our country.
Overpopulation is directly affecting our overcrowded emergency department at our only general hospital. This is affecting waiting times, which patients say sometimes stretch to longer than 10 hours. Since the population of Malta has shot up exponentially and life expectancy in Malta increased, healthcare facilities have remained largely as they were 10 years ago. Demand on the services has increased much faster than the supply. Expanding the emergency department alone will not solve space issues at Mater Dei Hospital. With regards to overpopulation and bed management the following must be immediately addressed: The swift flow of patients and proper discharge planning; the reduction of bed blockers throughout the hospital; proper gatekeeping at A&E level; the reduction of A&E waiting times; and the efficiency in reducing problematic discharges.
MUMN together with ten other trade unions have reached an agreement with the Government on the financial package of the Public Service Collective Agreement, which will commence on 1st January 2025 for all Civil Servants. MUMN is proud to have taken a major role in these negotiations since the financial package will increase the current allowances within the PSMC, besides introducing other new allowances. No details on the financial package of the Public Service Agreement can be divulged at this stage since as yet there are still discussions taking place this month and in the coming months on the non-financial aspects of the collective agreement.
In the second stage of these negotiations, MUMN will be discussing further proposals together with all the other unions so that a common ground is reached in this agreement amongst all the trade unions. Once the unions reach an agreement on their proposals, these will then be submitted to the Industrial Relations Unit for further discussions with the Office of the Prime Minister.
always one of the goals of MUMN and thanks to the Sectorial Agreement, these seminars would remain ongoing for many years to come. MUMN’s intentions are that in the future all Health Care Professionals would be able to attend for such lectures and MUMN has every intention to introduce it for other members through future sectorial agreements.
Proactive steps to address the population issue need to be taken. More strategic and forward-thinking governance to ensure long-term stability and prosperity of the country will address the overpopulation issue. Patient population is severely affecting the entire healthcare system up to a point that the hospital is always overcrowded, and the system is straining itself. The demand on the manpower needs also to be addressed. The bottom line is that only net immigration can ensure population stability or growth. This will happen only if we promote immigration policies that allow immigrants that can only contribute to long-term economy growth such as addressing the labour shortage problem of the health sector. Eventually, even mass tourism needs to be capped to safeguard our environment, infrastructure and social impact of hospitalisation.
Once the agreement has been finalized, MUMN will be sending the Public Service Agreement to all members and replying to any queries our members might have regarding the Collective Agreement.
Besides the Public Service Agreement, MUMN has been active on other important issues. The Mental WellBeing programme which is being done in collaboration with the Health Ministry is up and running and already a substantial number of nurses and midwives have attended these seminars at the ‘Institute for the Health Care Professionals’ in Qormi. Such seminars are important since they increase the awareness and knowledge on the importance of Mental Health Wellbeing. The lectures address two important aspects of Mental Health, the preventive aspect and the control aspect. Sometimes, we have the impression that we are in control of our Mental Health when in fact we would losing control of our thoughts and at times of our actions. This was
Currently in MDH a trial is taking place, where the roster AAOO is being worked in four wards by the Charge Nurses. Such a trial is taking place to demonstrate that this roster for Charge Nurses does not negatively affect the nursing service in the ward. Once the trial for the Charge Nurses proves to be successful, such a trial will be available as an option for all Charge Nurses in all hospitals as long as both Charge Nurses agree to work the same roster. This roster will be another roster where Charge Nurses can opt to work and will be a voluntarily roster and not obligatory. If everything goes well, such a roster will be available by Christmas.
We are very proud to have co-hosted the Commonwealth Nurses & Midwives Conference. It was really hard work but was worth it. MUMN had the pleasure to welcome the nursing delegations from all the Commonwealth countries . Well done to all those involved for this successful conference.
Paul Pace President
Kelmtejn mis-Segretarju Ġenerali
Is-Sajf gœadda wkoll. Iÿ-ÿmien qed jaœrab. Kuljum ælieda malœin biex inwettqu dak li nkunu ppjanajna. Kultant jirnexxielna, waqtiet oœra le. L-gœada jasal ukoll u nkomplu.
Ix-xahar ta’ Settembru huwa xahar gœaÿiÿ gœalina peress li fid-19 ta’ Settembru 1996 twieldet l-MUMN. Din is-sena gœalaqna 28 anniversarju. Aœna li konna hemm mill-bidu nett, kwaÿi lanqas temmen kif din il-œolma ta’ œafna nurses saret realtà. Kulœadd kien igerger li m’gœandniex il-union tagœna u issa kwaÿi kwaÿi nieœduwa ‘for granted’. Imma f’kollox jiæri hekk u dan l-aspett mhux eççezzjoni. F’din il-æurnata morna ÿorna l-Monument tal-Union fil-æonna ta’ San Anton u minbarra li poææejna bukketti tal-fjuri, irringrazzjajna lill-Œallieq tal-gœajnuna tiegœu tul dawn is-snin kollha.
Sabiex jiæi ççelebrat dan l-anniversarju l-Kunsill tal-MUMN iddeçieda li jniedi sponsorship lin-Nurses u l-Midwives li ser jippreÿentaw u jipparteçipaw filKonferenza tal-Commonwealth. Barra minn hekk intlaœaq Ftehim sabiex l-Attivisti tal-union jingœataw Training Etniku sabiex inkunu ppreparati kif naæixxu quddiem çertu realtajiet.
Mix-xahar id-dieœel ser jerægœu jibdew jiæu ppreÿentati s-seminars ta’ kull xahar. Dawn is-seminars huma popolari tant li l-attendenza tkun dejjem tiÿboq il-mitt ruœ. Huwa gost u pjaçir tagœna li naraw il-premises il-æodda mimlija bil-membri. Dan jgœodd ukoll gœal
kull nhar ta’ Œamis meta jsiru l-Well Being Seminars fl-Institute for Health Care Professionals. Issa gœalaqna 4 xhur minn meta bdejna u kollox miexi sewwa. Nagœmlu kuraææ bœal dejjem. Il-futur jidher sabiœ.
Wara li lestejna l-parti finanzjarja talFtehim gœall-Œaddiema tas-Servizz Pubbliku, dan ix-xahar komplejna biex niddiskutu l-parti li tinvolvi l-kundizzjonijiet tax-xogœol. Sal-aœœar tas-sena rridu nlestu u nagœlqu biex dan il-Ftehim ædid jidœol fis-seœœ flEwwel ta’ Jannar tas-sena d-dieœla. Qed inœarsu ’l quddiem biex nkunu nistgœu nœabbru d-dettalji kollha gœaliex konvinti li l-membri tagœna kollha ser jintlaqtu tajjeb œafna minn dan il-Ftehim.
Dan ix-xahar organizzajna wkoll b’suççess kbir il-Konferenza talCommonwealth. Œadu sehem aktar minn 250 nurse u midwife minn madwar id-dinja. Kollox mexa sew. Kien ta’ sodissfazzjon gœalina li gœal darb’oœra rnexxielna npoææu isem pajjiÿna ’l fuq fejn jixraqlu. Kulœadd ifaœœar l-MUMN gœax-xoghol li sar. Darb’oœra ser tiæi organizzata fis-South Africa.
Minn hawn irrid nieœu din l-opportunità sabiex nifraœ lin-nurses u l-midwives kollha li ggradwaw din is-sena u nawguralhom li jkunu kuntenti u jimtlew b’sodisfazzjon filkura tagœhom lejn il-morda filwaqt li l-midwives, fl-gœajnuna tagœhom li jagœtu lill-ommijiet u trabi tagœhom. Prosit u Kuraææ.
Ma nistax ma ngœidx ÿewæ kelmiet ta’ sodisfazzjon gœall-mod kif dan il-Ministru l-ædid qiegœed jaæixxi. F’dawn l-aœœar 28 sena, kemm ilni Segretarju Æenerali tal-Union œdimt ma’ œafna Ministri tas-Saœœa. Jekk ikollni ngœoddhom jammontaw gœal 7. Dan il-Ministru jœares lejn is-settur minn gœajn ta’ impjegat li qiegœed hemm biex jgœin lil sœabu kollegi u biex jassisti lill-marid fl-aktar moment vulnerabbli tiegœu.
Gœaddew 7 xhur u gœadu bl-istess attitudni. Gœall-ewwel jien œsibt li din l-attitudni hija biss gœal bidu imma ma kienx hekk gœaliex sa llum gœadu blistess viÿjoni. Meta jkollhok Ministru tas-Saœœa b’dawn il-kwalitajiet, tagœmel kuraææ u tibda tara d-dawl flaœœar tal-mina dejjem qed joqrob lejk.
Mix-xahar id-dieœel ser nibdew nippreparaw il-Ftehim Settorali l-Ædid tas-Social Workers. Dan is-settur huwa wkoll milqut minn nuqqas sostanzjali. Ir-raæunijiet huma bosta imma waœda minnhom hija li hemm kompetizzjoni mal-aæenzija parastatali tas-Social Workers. Din id-darba rridu li nissuperaw din il-kompetizzjoni u niæu minn fuq. Il-Gvern jidher li biddel il-œsieb tiegœu fuq dan is-settur u lest li jassisti u jgœin biex is-servizz jitjieb filMinisteri konçernati.
Gœal-lum ser nieqfu hawn. Nerægœu niltaqgœu fi ÿmien il-Milied. Œudu œsieb tagœkhom u lill-kollegi. Saœœa.
Colin Galea Segretarju Æenerali
ICN Monthly Update June 2024
GLOBAL IMPACT
ICN letter to G20 leaders
Our President has called on the G20 leaders to make nurse migration a priority agenda item when they meet in November and to commit to the ethical recruitment and retention of the nursing workforce.
ICN
Alliance of Student and Early
Career Nurses
The Board of Directors has approved the formation of the ICN Alliance of Student and Early Career Nurses, an innovative new ICN body representing student and early career nurses. In advance of our public announcement, we sent all our NNAs the summary of the consultation and the outline structure agreed by the Board. The aim of the Alliance is to amplify the voices of student and early career nurses and enhance their influence on relevant issues in the work of ICN and its members. NNA input was invaluable in shaping the new Alliance structure.
We are pleased to offer a summary of our endeavours, achievements, and notable events from the past month. We invite you to explore the latest developments, discoveries, and highlights within our community. Be a nurse In a world full
Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health
The Executive Board of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) has endorsed the nomination of ICN consultant, Anne Sylvie Ramelet, as the Secretary of the Health Care Professional Associations (HPCA) Constituency for the three years until April 2027. PMNCH is the largest, most diverse, and most impactful advocacy platform in the world for women, children and adolescents and is led by Rt. Hon. Helen Clark. PMNCH’s work concentrates on three areas: maternal, newborn and child health; sexual and reproductive health and rights; and adolescent health and well-being, to cover the continuum of care, addressing different levels of health services throughout the life course, and spanning all life phases.
Climate change & health
Howard represented WHPA at a WHO event on the contributions of health professions to the climate change & health agenda on 10 June.
He delivered an intervention on WHPA programme of work and interest in climate change and health agenda, highlighting the crucial role of health professionals in global awareness and advocacy.
Global Gender Gap Report
between men and women in terms of economic participation, education, health and political empowerment will take 134 years to achieve at the current rate of progress. The report shows that while half the economies included in the survey made incremental gains, globally the gender gap has only closed by 0.1% to a score of 68.5% since last year. ICN has commented that progress to gender parity is unacceptably slow and damaging to our healthcare systems and wider economies.
United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC)
ICN applied to update our status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) in late May. ICN has held Roster Consultative status since 1948, and we have currently applied for a reclassification to Special Consultative status. If successful, this application will allow for expanded opportunities for ICN to influence and impact the United Nations.
The Future of Hospitals and Health Systems for People, Places, and Planet
The World Economic Forum has released the 18th edition of its Global Gender Gap Report which shows that parity
Howard attended the launch event of “The Future of Hospitals and Health Systems for People, Places, and Planet” initiative, organized by the International Hospital Federation (IHF) on 6 June in Geneva. The initiative aims at supporting a transformational agenda for hospitals and health systems in low resources settings, to address the sustainability challenges of today and tomorrow.
Global Health Partners meeting for the WHO GAP and MF on IPC
Howard was invited to attend the Global Health Partners meeting for the WHO Global Action Plan and Monitoring Framework on Infection Prevention and Control, that took place online on 27 June. This was an opportunity for ICN to draw attention to the next SoWN and GSDNM as places in which we can draw links to the lack of education, training, shortages, career pathways, and IPC and patient safety more generally.
Dr. Luibov Seredynska, Ukrainian Military Officer and dermatovenerologist
Dr. Luibov Seredynska has been a military officer since the start of the Russian invasion in her country, and holds the position of ‘doctor of the military commision’ in the Ukraine Army. She recently took a holiday break in Malta visiting relatives, and has since returned to her homeland.
In a short interview, Luibov said that even before the war and at present, she has been employed as a dermatovenerologist in a state hospital. Following her studies, courses and seminars to improve her doctor’s qualifications, she provides assistance in the treatment of acute and chronic skin diseases rather than dealing with injuries.
Asked on the involvemnet of women in the war in Ukraine, Dr Seredynska replied that with regards to military service, women still have the option to choose whether to go to work in the combat zone or to stay at their place of residence. Men, on the other hand, are
all obliged to be conscripted and sent to the combat zone. Some exceptions are made in case of work, state of health, or having to care for three or more children. Should one then be assigned to a war zone, the working conditions can be very unpredictable, as there are constant attacks, and Russian rockets can hit even hospitals where help is provided; so it is very dangerous. While a certified specialist will have adequate medical knowledge, such specialists in such situations need to be morally resistant to many situations and perceive everything adequately and quickly make decisions and provide assistance. Thye have to be prepared to work in extreme conditions.
Post-traumatic stress, like any stress, can become a big problem in the future if it is not dealt with in time. Specialists are actively working on this problem, and there are rehabilitation services for psychological support and treatment of these patients with military personnel who have so suffered.
Finally, asked on how reassuring was
Finally, asked on how reassuring was it that for a military doctor to have the ability to change people’s lives, Dr Luibov replied that it all depended on the conditions in which the soldier was and for how long. The sooner one starts working on the condition, the faster and better the result and recovery will be. More serious cases are encountered with military personnel returning from captivity, where they could have been held for months and years. Much more effort, involving more specialists and more time is then spent on their recovery.
Dr. Seredynska was interviewed by Kenneth Abela
IDEA College
Pioneering Nursing and Healthcare Education in Malta
This October/November 2024 intake brings with it a wide array of courses that cater to both new entrants and experienced healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their expertise or move into leadership roles. From foundational certificate programs to advanced master’s degrees, IDEA College’s offerings are as diverse as the healthcare industry itself.
This intake also brings an exclusive benefit for MUMN members, who are entitled to a 20% discount on all enrollments completed this month, providing an invaluable opportunity to advance in their careers while enjoying significant financial savings.
This article provides an in-depth exploration of the college’s offerings, its historical association with Malta’s healthcare sector, and how its courses are designed to meet the ever-changing demands of nursing and healthcare management.
Historical Partnership with Maltese Healthcare
IDEA College’s contribution to nursing education in Malta is rooted in a longstanding partnership with local healthcare institutions and professional bodies. Over the years, the college has worked in close collaboration with MUMN and the
IDEA College has established itself as a leader in the field of nursing and healthcare education in Malta. For many years, it has cultivated a reputation for academic rigor and practical competence, collaborating closely with key stakeholders in Malta’s healthcare system, such as the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) and the Malta Council for Nurses and Midwives. By doing so, IDEA College ensures its courses reflect the current healthcare needs of the nation, providing its students with the skills and qualifications necessary to excel in both local and international healthcare environments.
Malta Council for Nurses and Midwives to align its curriculum with both national and international nursing standards. The college is committed to maintaining the highest educational standards, ensuring that its programs meet the criteria outlined in the EU Directive 2013/55/EC, which sets guidelines for the recognition of professional qualifications across the European Union.
This alignment with EU standards is essential in preparing students for the Maltese healthcare system and beyond. Many of IDEA College’s nursing programs incorporate comprehensive clinical placements that take place in a variety of healthcare settings across Malta. These placements are designed to immerse students in real-world healthcare environments, allowing them to develop the practical skills necessary to become competent and compassionate nurses. IDEA College has developed strong relationships with Maltese hospitals and clinics, ensuring that its students gain hands-on experience under the supervision of highly qualified nursing professionals.
Emphasis on Practical Experience
One of the hallmarks of IDEA College’s nursing programs is its strong emphasis
on practical experience. For instance, the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing Science requires students to complete over 2,300 hours of clinical practice, where they work in both hospital and community health settings.
Students are additionally trained in reallife settings at IDEA College’s unique Nursing Simulator – a fully equipped and perfectly functional facsimile of a hospital ward, complete with training dummies and latest monitoring technology to enable familiarisation with true-to-life medical scenarios that would otherwise be unattainable.
This exposure is invaluable, as it allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-life healthcare situations. It also prepares them for the challenges they will face in their future nursing careers.
The Diploma in Health Sciences –Nursing Studies also incorporates significant practical training, focusing on essential nursing care practices such as medical and surgical care, infection control, and elderly care. As with the bachelor’s program, the diploma’s work placements ensure that students gain exposure to various healthcare environments, preparing them for entrylevel nursing positions upon graduation.
For non-EU trained nurses, IDEA College offers a Certificate in Health Sciences – Nursing Studies, which serves as a bridging course designed to meet the standards set by the Maltese Council for Nurses and Midwives. This program helps these nurses integrate into the Maltese healthcare system, providing training in areas like mental health disorders, infection control, and elderly care. The work placement component of the course is crucial in helping these professionals familiarize themselves with the practices and procedures of Maltese hospitals.
Course Offerings for the October/November 2024 Intake
completing this program, graduates enhance not only their clinical skills but also their critical thinking, decisionmaking, and leadership abilities.
2. Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing Science
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing Science is one of IDEA College’s flagship programs, designed for students who aspire to become registered nurses. The course covers a wide range of nursing practices, including patient care, health promotion, and illness prevention. Students must complete 14 compulsory modules, including topics such as ethical and legal issues in healthcare, leadership in nursing, and research methods .
This upcoming October/November 2024 intake features an impressive range of courses designed to meet the needs of a diverse student body, from those just beginning their careers in nursing to seasoned professionals looking to specialize or move into leadership roles.
1. B.Sc. in Nursing (Top-Up Degree)
The B.Sc. in Nursing (Top-Up Degree) is tailored for practicing nurses who already hold a diploma and wish to up their academic qualifications to the degree level. This program is ideal for nurses looking to expand their expertise in areas such as evidence-based practice, research principles, and healthcare leadership. It also covers the latest technological advances in healthcare, ensuring that graduates are wellprepared to work in today’s fast-evolving healthcare environments.
This top-up degree is particularly valuable for nurses seeking career advancement, as it opens the door to specialized nursing roles and higher-paying positions. By
In addition to classroom instruction, this program includes extensive clinical practice. Students are required to complete 2,300 hours of hands-on training in hospital and community health settings. This practical experience is essential in preparing students for the complex and dynamic nature of modern healthcare. By the end of the program, students are eligible to register as first-level general nurses with the Maltese Council for Nurses and Midwives, giving them the credentials needed to work in a variety of healthcare settings across Malta and the EU.
3. Diploma in Health Sciences – Nursing Studies
The Diploma in Health Sciences – Nursing Studies is an excellent option for those looking to enter the nursing profession. This program provides a comprehensive introduction to nursing, with modules covering topics such as medical and surgical care, elderly care, infection control, and mental health disorders. It is designed to equip students with the foundational skills needed to provide safe and effective nursing care.
The diploma also includes a clinical placement component, allowing students to gain practical experience in Maltese hospitals. This hands-on training is critical in helping students develop the confidence and competence they need to succeed as entry-level nurses. Graduates of the program are wellprepared to pursue further studies or begin working in healthcare facilities .
4. Certificate in Health Sciences – Nursing Studies
The Certificate in Health Sciences –Nursing Studies serves as a bridging course for non-EU trained nurses who wish to practice in Malta. This program is designed to meet the standards set by the Maltese Council for Nurses and Midwives, helping foreign-trained nurses adapt to the Maltese healthcare system.
The certificate program includes modules on infection control, mental health disorders, and elderly care, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the key areas of nursing practice in Malta. Students also complete a work placement in a Maltese hospital, giving them the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world healthcare setting. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for registration as firstlevel nurses with the Maltese Council for Nurses and Midwives.
Specialized Master’s Programs for Career Advancement
In addition to its undergraduate and diploma programs, IDEA College offers two specialized master’s programs designed to help healthcare professionals advance into leadership roles. These programs are particularly valuable for nurses and healthcare workers who want to move into managerial positions or specialize in a specific area of care.
IDEA College: Pioneering Nursing and
1. M.Sc. in Healthcare Management and Leadership
The M.Sc. in Healthcare Management and Leadership is designed for healthcare professionals who aspire to take on leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations. This program covers a wide range of topics related to healthcare management, including strategic planning, healthcare policy, leadership in healthcare settings, and managing healthcare teams.
Graduates of this program are equipped with the skills needed to lead healthcare organizations effectively, making it an ideal choice for those looking to move into senior management roles. The program emphasizes the importance of leadership in improving healthcare outcomes, making it highly relevant in today’s healthcare environment.
2. M.Sc. in Elderly Care Management
As Malta’s population continues to age, the demand for skilled professionals in elderly care is on the rise. The M.Sc. in Elderly Care Management is designed to meet this growing need by preparing healthcare professionals to manage elderly care facilities and provide highquality care to older adults.
This program covers topics such as geriatric care, ethical considerations in elderly care, and the management of long-term care facilities. Graduates are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in nursing homes, retirement communities, and other care facilities for the elderly. With an increasing emphasis on elderly care in Malta,
this program is especially timely and relevant.
A Global Perspective on Nursing Education
IDEA College is not only recognized for its contributions to Maltese healthcare but also for its international reach. The college attracts students from a variety of countries, offering a multicultural learning environment that enriches the educational experience. International students bring diverse perspectives to the classroom, enhancing discussions and broadening the scope of healthcare education.
Moreover, IDEA College’s alignment with EU standards ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to work in other EU countries. This international recognition is a significant advantage for students looking to practice nursing abroad, as it allows them to pursue career opportunities across Europe.
Exclusive Discounts for MUMN Members
For this October/November intake, IDEA College is offering a special 20% discount for all members of the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) on enrollments completed this month. This exclusive offer is available across all nursing and healthcare programs, making it an ideal opportunity for healthcare professionals to advance their education at a reduced cost. Whether you are considering a bachelor’s degree, diploma, or a specialized master’s program, the 20% discount provides significant financial relief and underscores IDEA College’s commitment to supporting the professional development of healthcare workers in Malta.
In addition to this discount, students can also take advantage of Malta’s Get Qualified scheme, which further reduces the financial burden of pursuing higher education. The Get Qualified scheme offers a tax rebate of up to 70% of the total tuition fees, reimbursed upon the successful completion of your course. This initiative is a government-backed incentive that aims to encourage continuous learning and skill development by reducing the overall cost of education for Maltese residents. By combining the 20% MUMN discount with the Get Qualified rebate, healthcare professionals can make a substantial investment in their future at a significantly reduced cost.
These financial benefits make pursuing education at IDEA College an even more attractive option, allowing healthcare professionals to enhance their qualifications while managing their financial commitments effectively. With the healthcare sector continuously evolving and the demand for skilled professionals increasing, this is the perfect time for MUMN members to take advantage of these opportunities.
Mallia
L-Ewwel Trejdunjonista li ddefenda l-Infermiera f’Malta u x’ġara wara
Kitba ta’ Joe Camilleri, CN
In-Nurse tal-1916 f’Malta, fl-eqqel tal-Gwerra l-Kbira, meta kien gœad ma kelliex min jiddefendiha
Kien b’kumbinazzjoni li ltqajt ma’ dak li kiteb il-Prof. Raymond Mangion fil-Konferenza Juan Mamo tas-26 ta’ Ottubru 2013 organizzata mill-Universitá ta’ Malta. Fl-istess sena, Adrian Grima kien l-editur æenerali tas-Sensiela Juan Mamo, tliet kotba ppubblikati mill-SKS f’Ottubru tal-2013. F’ ‘Personaææi f’Ulied in-Nanna Venut fl-Amerika’ ta’ Juan Mamo, Anton Cassar, Olivia Borg u Adrian Grima jestrapolaw karattru partikolari msemmi fil-ktieb ta’ Mamo bl-isem ta’ Wenzu Mallia (Ta’ Lapura) kif æej: ‘’Mhux dan biss, imma kienu wkoll mas-Sur Slaw, Gœawdxi (li jifhem fil-mard), qisu Wenzu Mallia fil-Œamrun) u mas-Sur Bendu li jaf x’jgœid bil-bosta.”
Mamo kien qiegœed isemmi dawn ilkarattri f’kuntest meta l-Maltin li kienu jsiefru biex jemigraw fuq il-vapuri u kellhom ix-xorti li jiltaqgœu u jitœalltu ma’ Maltin oœra intelliæenti, Maltin ta’ kull strata tas-socjeta’ u Maltin li f’xi mod taw kontribut kull fejn kienu.
Allura dan Wenzu Mallia minn kien? Li nafu hu li twieled l-Imqabba nhar is-26 t’Awwissu 1885 u kien jaœdem madDipartiment tas-Saœœa f’Malta. Kien hu fost l-ewwel persuni li organizza l-infermiera f’unjon u œadem œafna biex itejjeb il-kundizzjonijiet tax-xogœol u l-pagi tagœhom u kien hu li rsista biex jgœolli l-livell tagœhom professjonali. Huwa miet fit-3 ta’ Frar 1939 jiæifieri ma laœaqx it-Tieni Gwerra Dinjija u lanqas id-devastazzjoni li æabet magœha.
Jissemma anke f’kuntest politiku, gœaliex kien qiegœed jikkuntesta l-kandidatura tiegœu mal-Partit tal-Œaddiema (dak ta’ Pawlu Boffa) tal-1932 fis-7 distrett, flimkien ma’ karattru ieœor li kien jimmilita fil-politika. Dan kien Karmnu
in-Nanna Venut fl’ Amerca’ (https://
Zammit, li kien Assistent Segretarju tal-partit li flimkien miegœu kien ikun jindirizza meetings fil-Œamrun, ilMarsa, Raœal Ædid u Bormla, imma mhux biss, gœaliex skont Il-Œmar, æurnal politiku satiriku, Wenzu Mallia kien tkellem f’meeting li sar fl-ewwel ta’ Æunju tal-1932 æewwa l-Qrendi u anke l-Imqabba (raœal twelidu). Skont it-Reporter ta’ Il-Œmar dan Mallia indirizza l-folla ‘b’erbgœa kelmiet sbieœ’ u anke kellu ‘kelma qawwija’. Ma rridux ninsew, anke f’kuntest ta’ dak iÿ-ÿmien, li l-oratorija, kif kellu tajjeb Mallia, kien fattur b’saœœtu biex wieœed iwassal ilmessaææ politiku tiegœu.
Ta’ min jgœid li skont l-istess æurnal, ir-riÿultat tal-elezzjoni wera li l-partit tiegœu kien tilef din l-elezzjoni u Wenzu Mallia akkwista 103 unijiet biss li ma kienux biÿÿejjed biex jiæi elett. Meta fl-1936, l-Ingliÿi reægœu taw Iil Malta l-Kostituzzjoni, Wenzu Mallia kien l-ewwel wieœed Ii organizza meeting pubbliku. Dan il-meeting gœamlu fi Pjazza San Pawl u gœalih attendew mijiet
juannmamo.wordpress.com/konferenza/)
ta’ nies. Kien meeting Ii baqa’ msemmi u Ii fih Mallia qata’ figura tajba. Illum hemm triq imsemmija gœalih li tiæi t-triq tal-Kulleææ San Æoræ Preca.
Biex nifhmu wkoll il-kuntest tal-qagœda tal-infermiera ta’ dik il-œabta, l-istess æurnal tat-8 ta’ Novembru 1930 iæib rapport tal-kundizzjonijiet tax-xogœol tagœhom u jgœid: “Dawra æewwa ilConnaught Hospital ma jidhirlux ilMinistru Galea li l-infermieri ta’ dan l-istitut huma mœallsin wisq ftit gœaxxogœol diffikultuÿ li gœandhom?”
Ma ninsewx li dan l-isptar, li kien kif tidœol mill-bieb tal-Imdina, fuq il-lemin (illum il-Muÿew tal-Istorja Naturali ta’ Malta) kien iservi gœall-pazjenti li jsofru bil-mard tas-sider, it-tuberculosis, u allura kellhom riskju akbar li jittieœdu mill-mard. U jkompli: “U xi ngœidu gœal dawk il-povri nies li jissuplixxu flok l-infermiera? Dawn oltre illi jridu jagœmlu xogœol daqs infermiera huma mœallsa bis-sabieœa somma li ried jagœmel Ninu Dalli, ta’ ÿewæ xelini kuljum...Gœaliex mal-infermiera ta’ bil-lejl ma gœandux ikun hemm soru tal-gœassa?”
impjegati u joint councils, kienet ukoll tieœu parti attiva f’materji li jaffetwaw ‘l œaddiema tal-gvern u rat kif ittejjeb ilkundizzjonijiet tas-servizz taç-çivil.
Çertu E. Sacco jikteb ukoll dwar l-infermiera in æenerali f’Il-Œmar tal-20 ta’ Diçembru 1930: “In-nurses huma tad-demm u l-laœam, u œadd ma gœandu jistenna minn gœandhom xogœol iebes, responsabbiltá kbira, libertá ta’ xejn, irqad fil-kuruturi u xi drabi b’xi mejjet ukoll, wara sentejn kors u eÿami iebes, biex imbaghad ituhom £60 fis-sena biss.”
In-nurse Ii ‘jissupplixxi’ kien dak Ii jaœdem bœala reliever, li mhux neçessarjament kien imœarreæ f’kull qasam tan-nursing ta’ dak iÿ-ÿmien. Ninu Dalli kien membru fil-kabinett ta’ Howard ta’ bejn l-1921 u l-1924 bœala ministru tax-Xogœolijiet Pubbliçi u wara l-koalizzjoni sar ministru tal-Agrikoltura u Sajd. Mhux ta’ b’xejn li dan Wenzu Mallia kien irnexxielu jgœaqqad f’unjon lill-impjegati ta’ erbgœa sptarijiet li kien hawn, jiæifieri iç-Çentrali (ta’ Floriana), fejn kien jaœdem hu stess, San Bert
u s-Santu Spirtu (tar-Rabat). F’dalperjodu kien jinœass œafna l-bÿonn ukoll li jikbru s-servizzi mediçi f’Malta u kien gœalhekk li f’April tal-1930 tqiegœedet l-ewwel æebla tal-Isptar San Luqa f’Gwardamangia mill-Prim Ministru ta’ dak iÿ-ÿmien Gerald Strickland. Wenzu Mallia gœex fl-istess ÿminijiet ta’ Indri Cilia, wieœed mill-fundaturi ewlenin tal-General Workers Union flimkien ma’ Miller, u li œadmu biex il-œaddiema jingœaqdu f’Unjon.
l-unjons f’Malta b’mod æenwin.
Ir-Registered Nurses insibuhom ukoll elenkati Sezzjoni IV, dik talProfessjonijiet, Xjentifiçi u Tekniçi fi œdan il-Malta Civil Service Association tal-œamsinijiet, li gœad-dirittura ftit kellek Maltin affiljati fiha. L-ewwel SRNs Maltin ma æewx qabel l-1964. Pero’ mill1919 sal-bidu tal-œamsinijiet din l-Assoçjazzjoni kienet eÿempju çar ta’ sforzi biex jiæu mwaqqfa l-unjons f’Malta b’mod æenwin. Apparti li l-Assoçjazzjoni kienet tieœu rwol attiv f’kumitati tal-
industrijali u lobbying mill-General infermiera dak iÿ-ÿmien, fejn irnexxiela
gœola u anke salarji gœola speçjalment L-azzjonijiet industrijali kien jinkludi
Kien fl-1970, wara sensiela ta’ azzjonijiet industrijali u lobbying mill-General Workers Union, li kienet tirrapreÿenta lillinfermiera dak iÿ-ÿmien, fejn irnexxiela tiftaœ il-bibien gœall-career progression tar-registered nurses (u mhux sorijiet biss) biex jilœqu f’posts amministrattivi gœola u anke salarji gœola speçjalment dawk ta’ PNOs, SNOs u NOs. L-azzjonijiet industrijali kien jinkludi wkoll strajk fejn wera li l-infermiera kienu verament qed jippruvaw itejbu l-kundizzjonijiet tax-xogœol tagœhom fl-isptarijiet, l-aktar dwar il-pagi u l-promozzjonijiet. Fl-1972 filfatt, innomenklatura ta’ Nursing Sister and Male Registered Nurses inbidlet gœal dik ta’ Staff Nurse. Ftehim ieœor fl-1970 kien inlaœaq bejn il-gvern u l-General Workers Union fejn kienu ngœataw promozzjonijiet lil Ward Masters (li ironikament ma kienux imœarræa bœala infermiera) u laœqu SNOs. Paprati saru wkoll! Promozzjonijiet oœra kienu dwar l-ENs biex jilœqu SSENs.
Kien hemm diversi attentati fosthom fissebgœinijiet, meta individwi ippruvaw jgœaqqdu l-infermiera f’unjon gœall-
ikompli f’paġna 34
Nazzjonali tal-Istorja Naturali, l-Imdina, aççessat fl-2020)
(Ritratt, Bay Retro)
(tal-lebruÿi), Tal-Moœœ (ta’ Frankuni)
Wenzu Mallia
Bill Shankly
IT-TIENI
PARTI - minn Mario Aquilina
Sadanittant, gœat-tielet staæun tiegœu Shankly kellu tim armat b’ÿewæ stilel. Is-sinsla tat-tim kienet œafna aktar soda, u f’dan l-istaæun b’Anfield jkollu attendenza medja ta’ 39,000, Liverpool taœt ittmexxija ta’ Shankly mhux biss kisbu l-promozzjoni imma rebœu l-istess diviÿjoni bi tmien punti vantaææ fuq it-tim tat-tieni post Leyton Orient, fi ÿmien meta rebœa kienet tagœti biss ÿewæ punti. Anfield bdiet issir fortizza, u minn 21 logœba ma ntilfet l-ebda logœba u kienu tlett timijiet biss li ÿammew lil Liverpool fi draw.
Gœall-ewwel darba fil-karriera tiegœu, Shankly kien se jmexxi tim fl-ogœla diviÿjoni. Liverpool ingœaqdu fl-istess diviÿjoni mal-æirien rivali Everton wara seba’ snin f’diviÿjoni inferjuri. U Shankly ma tellax it-tim tiegœu fl-ogœla diviÿjoni gœan-numru.
L-ewwel staæun kien kif mistenni diffiçli, u Liverpool uÿaw dan l-istaæun sabiex joqogœdu. Spiççaw fit-tmien post u flFA Cup, inqalgœu fis-semi-finali kontra Leicester City. It-tazza tant importanti gœall-Ingliÿi baqgœet nieqsa mill-vetrini ta’ Anfield, biss ma kellhomx wisq x’jistennew.
photo | i2-prod.liverpoolecho.co.uk
B’esperjenza ta’ sena fl-Ewwel Diviÿjoni, kien hemm stennija kbira lejn l-istaæun 1963-64. Shankly ipperswada lill-winger Peter Thompson jingœaqad miegœu. Ftit wara li ffirma, Shankly sefsef f’widnejn dan il-winger ta’ kalibru, “Ibni, se nagœmlek l-aqwa plejer ta’ kull ÿmien. Se tkun tant veloçi li se tkun tista’ taqbad il-œamiem.” Thompson beda jœossu jimxi fuq l-arja. Din it-tattika ma kienx japplikaha fuq il-æodda biss. Waqt kull sessjoni, Shankly kien itambar f’moœœ ilplejers li huma l-aqwa plejers. Kien jinsisti li jitqatlu gœal kull ballun, iœossuhom fid-dover li jagœtu kollox b’rispett lejn ilpartitarji leali li wara kollox iœallsu l-pagi tagœhom, imma l-kumplimenti qatt ma naqsu. Bi stamina u psikoloæija superjuri fuq kull avversarju, fit-tieni staæun tiegœu fl-Ewwel Diviÿjoni, Shankly rebaœ it-titlu meta fl-aœœar logœba talkampjonat f’Anfield, u d-disgœa u tletin logœba tal-kampjonat fi ÿmien meta kien jintlagœbu tnejn u erbgœin logœba, Liverpool gœelbu lil Arsenal ta’ Londra 5-0, quddiem kwaÿi 49,000 spettatur, bil-bibien ta’ Anfield ikollhom jingœalqu siegœa qabel il-logœba.
Mill-abbissi tat-tieni diviÿjoni, Shankly wassal lil Liverpool fil-quççata tal-futbol Ingliÿ. Iÿ-ÿwieæ bejn il-Kop u Shankly ta
l-ewwel frott tiegœu. Shankly iddeskriva s-suffara finali tal-istess logœba, bœala l-aqwa mument tal-karriera tiegœu. Everton çedew ix-xettru u t-trofew lil Liverpool. Bit-trofew f’idu, Shankly iddikjara, “Æejt, rajt u gœelibthom kollha”.
L-istaæun ta’ wara offra lil Liverpool sfida ædida fl-istorja tiegœu, dik talfutbol Ewropew. Fl-ewwel rawnd tat-Tazza taç-Champions, il-polza poææiet lil Liverpool kontra l-Iÿlandiÿi KR Reykyavík, fejn fl-Iÿlanda Liverpool rebœu 5-0, waqt li f’Anfield rebœu bliskor ta’ 6-1. Qabel waœda mil-logœbiet Ewropej ta’ wara, Shankly uÿa biçça mill-psikoloæija tiegœu li gœadha tintuÿa sal-lum. Dak iÿ-ÿmien Liverpool kienu jilgœabu bi flokk aœmar u xorz abjad u kalzetti bojod. Qabel il-logœba ta’ Anfield kontra Anderlecht, Shankly daœal fid-dressing room u waddab xorz aœmar lejn Ron Yeats, il-kaptan tiegœu u saqsieh biex jippruvah. Meta rah hekk, Shankly æera l-entuÿjaÿmu bih u qallu li jidher meraviljuÿ u fl-istess œin perikoluÿ. Il-kalzetti bojod mill-ewwel inbidlu f’œomor. Gœal Shankly, l-aœmar kien ifakkru fil-periklu, u fil-qawwa. Fl-ewwel
ikompli f’paġna 19
ikompli minn paġna 17
logœba liebsin kollox aœmar, Liverpool gœelbu liç-çampjins Belæjani 3-0. Kit aœmar minn fuq s’isfel sar l-uniformi ædida u simbolu ta’ Liverpool.
Dan l-istaæun iÿda jibqa’ mfakkar b’mod partikolari gœar-rebœ tal-FA Cup gœall-ewwel darba, meta fl-1 ta’ Mejju, 1965 Liverpool gœelbu lil Leeds 2-1 wara l-œin barrani f’Wembley quddiem 100,000 spettatur. L-Armata Œamra kif kien gœammed lill-partitarji ta’ Liverpool Shankly, infexxu jkantaw isem Shankly f’Wembley, u l-gœada 50,000 ruœ laqgœu l-iskwadra kollha æewwa Lime Street Station, f’Liverpool, fejn bi kburija æustifikata saret parada bit-tazza madwar it-toroq ewlenin ta’ Liverpool.
Ftit jiem wara f’Anfield, Liverpool laqgœu lil Inter fis-semi-finali tat-Tazza taçChampions. Inter kienu dak iÿ-ÿmien iæorru x-xettru tal-aqwa klabb fid-dinja. Bl-FA Cup mirbuœa gœall-ewwel darba ftit jiem qabel, Shankly ried juÿa kull mezz biex jiggalvanizza lit-truppi tiegœu. Waqt it-taœriæ ta’ qabel il-logœba, Shankly qabbad lil Gerry Bryne (li lagœab gœal kwaÿi sagœtejn sœaœ fil-finali bi spalltu maqlugœa) u Gordon Milne jduru ma’ Anfied bl-FA Cup. L-54,000 partitarju intefgœu f’dillirju u Anfield beda jinœass jiççaqlaq. Il-momentum kien f’saqajn il-plejers ta’ Liverpool u l-partita spiççat bl-iskor ta’ 3-1 favur Liverpool. Sfortunatament fir-ritorn æewwa l-Italja, Inter kisbu r-rebœa ta’ 3-0 li kellhom bÿonn, b’çertu deçiÿjonijiet arbitrari gœadhom joœolqu kontroversja sal-lum. F’waœda mill-konferenzi stampi
tiegœu fl-Italja, Shankly urtat gœallaœœar sempliçement qal lill-interpreti biex iwasslu l-messaææ, ‘gœidilhom li ma naqbel f’xejn magœhom”.
Id-diÿappunt iÿda malajr intesa meta fl-istaæun ta’ wara, Liverpool reægœu rebœu l-kampjonat, b’sitt punti vantaææ fuq l-eqreb rivali Leeds United. It-tama li poææa Shankly f’qalb il-partitarji œomor ma kienetx gœalxejn. It-tim mibni madwar Tommy Lawrence, Ron Yeats, Tommy Smith, Peter Thompson, Ian Callaghan u Ian St. John kien qiegœed jagœti l-frott tiegœu fl-Ingilterra. FlEwropa, Shankly baqa’ imçaœœad minn tazza meta fil-finali tat-Tazza tatTazzi æew megœluba minn Borussia Dortmund bl-iskor ta’ 2-1, bil-gowl rebbieœ ikun awto-gowl sfortunat.
Fis-sitt snin ta’ wara, iÿda Liverpool naqsu li jiksbu unur wieœed. Fi ÿmien meta l-lealtà kienet virtu, Shankly xorta baqa’ idolu gœall-partitarji ta’ Liverpool u l-attendenza æewwa Anfield qajla æiet affetwata. Il-plejers li kienu s-sinsla ta’ ÿewæ kampjonati u FA Cup bdew jikbru u ma baqgœux l-istess. Shankly kien qiegœed isibha diffiçli jwarrab l-istess persuni li tant wera fiduçja fihom u œallsuh lura b’interessi gœolja. Iÿda telfa ta’ 1-0 kontra Watford minn diviÿjoni inferjuri, fetœet gœajnejn Shankly li xi œaæa riedet issir malajr u beda jippjana biex jibni tim gœas-sebgœinijiet.
Fis-sajf ta’ wara, ingœaqad il-winger Steve Heighway, waqt li minn Cardiff inæieb John Toshack. Fl-istaæun ta’ wara inkiseb çertu wieœed Kevin Keegan
minn Scunthorpe. Ray Clemence li kien ilu xi ÿmien jilgœab mar-riservi beda jieœu post Tommy Lawrence bejn illasti. Il-paçenzja, it-tolleranza u r-rispett totali lejn Shankly flimkien mal-ippjanar u x-xogœol iebes tal-istess Skoççiÿ irriÿultaw f’kampjonat u UEFA Cup flistaæun 1972-73. Gœall-ewwel darba Shankly kiseb suççess Ewropew meta fuq ÿewæ legs gœeleb lill-Æermaniÿi Borussia Moenchengladbach 3-2.
L-istaæun ta’ wara ra lil Liverpool u Shankly jispiççaw fit-tieni post filkampjonat, iÿda lura lejn Wembley f’Mejju b’Newcastle bœala l-avversarji. Fil-finali, Liverpool urew dominanza totali u l-unika sorpriÿa kienet li kellhom jgœaddu sebgœa u œamsin minuta biex jiftœu l-iskor. Steve Heighway ÿied ieœor u Kevin Keegan gœamel l-iskor 3-0 b’doppjetta. Shankly dar madwar Wembley bœas-soltu, biss fid-dressing room wara vittorja tant speçjali deher riservat. Iÿda fil-gallerija tas-St. George’s Hall, f’Liverpool æurnata wara, bl-FA Cup f’idejn il-plejers u quddiem il-pubbliku ta’ Liverpool, huwa stqarr magœhom, “Il-mexxej Mao qatt ma ra wirja ta’ qawwa Œamra akbar minn tal-lum”.
Ftit wara iÿda l-istess pubbliku inœasad gœall-aœœar. F’konferenza stampa, twassal il-messaææ li Bill Shankly iddeçieda li jirtira. “Din mhix deçiÿjoni li œadt ta’ malajr. Ilha f’moœœi gœal dawn l-aœœar tnax-il xahar u nœoss li issa huwa ÿ-ÿmien li nistrieœ mil-logœba wara li servejt gœal tlieta u erbgœin sena.” Ftit wara Shankly ammetta li waqt li kien sejjer biex pubblikament javÿa li se jirtira, œassu qisu miexi lejn siææu talelettriku.
jirtira, œassu qisu miexi lejn siææu tal-
Œamsin sena wara l-ewwel logœba tiegœu u œamsa u tletin sena wara
Œamsin sena wara l-ewwel logœba tiegœu u œamsa u tletin sena wara l-irtirar tiegœu, il-preÿenza ta’ Bill Shankly gœadha tinœass daqs li kieku kien il-bieraœ li rtira. L-istatwa tiegœu tilqgœak qabel tidœol fil-Kop, u l-gradi ‘Shankly Gates’ huma folkloristiçi. Ismu gœadu jitkanta mill-Kop, bnadar b’ismu u xbieha tiegœu huma parti mill-kulur ta’ Anfield.
Ir-rispett li kellu lejn il-plejers tiegœu u l-partitarji huwa reçiproku. Shankly ta biçça minnu nnifsu lejn il-klabb, u inœolqot istituzzjoni speçjali. Kellu viÿjoni u œolma, li b’œafna xogœol iebes u onestà seœœew. Bill Shankly gœadu l-ispirazzjoni gœall-plejers u l-partitarji. Bill Shankly huwa mmortali.
Ir-rispett li kellu lejn il-plejers tiegœu u l-partitarji huwa reçiproku. Shankly ta biçça minnu nnifsu lejn il-klabb, viÿjoni u œolma, li b’œafna xogœol iebes
photo | thesun.ie
from our diary
The popular monthly seminars with our members at our Conference Centre will resume in October. our
MUMN participates in every Career Fair possible whenever we are invited to attract youth to our professions. William & Geoffrey set up this wonderful table in the ‘I Choose’ career fair.
Four months have now passed since we have started the ‘Well Being Seminars’ at our Institute for Healthcare Professionals.
Nurses working at Rainbow Ward celebrating a successful recovery of one of their ‘Angels’.
Our President Paul Pace was invited participated in this event. this month to address an important conference in China. 1200 nurses
MUMN in collaboration with the Commonwealth Nurses & Midwives Federation organised a 3-day international conference including the Biennial Meeting at MUMN premises.
A pastoral approach through ten powerful names of God (3)
In his article Metaphors for Pastoral Care and Spiritual direction, John Reid, writes: “The practices of spiritual direction and pastoral care are both informed by, and at times under-girded by, images and metaphors that give us windows into empowering ministry.
The ways of doing that may be difficult, but I think that, in this largely visual society in which we live, there are a number of distinctive metaphors that have informed, and to a greater or lesser degree, shaped Christian spirituality, and that may be used to enable us to provide appropriate spiritual direction for those who it desire of us”. An image which evidently opens my hospital ministry for God’s grace to empower it, as only God only knows how, is God’s Name: Jehovah-jireh, or the Lord will provide.
We are all familiar with the story, as found in the Book of Genesis, where this fourth God’s Name is to be found. Both the content and the context of the story of how this divine appellation is revealed is quite dramatic. The place where this name was mentioned was the land of Moriah. According to Rabbi Robert Harris, Professor of Bible and Ancient Semitic languages, the word “‘Moriah’ means ‘land of myrrh’ and therefore ‘the place where God is worshipped’”. How on earth can God be worshipped in the land of myrrh? Does this make any sense whatsoever?
Adding to this fact, Moriah was the location of the binding of Isaac. Here, God told Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering. As the story evolves one cannot not appreciate Abraham’s faith together with Isaac’s trust in his father. When God provided a ram for sacrifice in the stead of Isaac Abraham purposely named the place Jehovah-jireh, which means the Lord will provide. Let’s have a look at the biblical text to appreciate its elegance, power and wisdom!
“who immerses himself in the river of our sin in order to purify us”
When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. Then Abraham put forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here am I.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place The Lord will provide; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided” (Gen 22:9-14).
The drama as well as the meaning of this experience in Abraham’s life meant that his faith was greatly tested by God. Abraham found himself at a crossroad, either obey and be faithful to God or save his skin by being unfaithful to Him. Even God wanted to prove his faithfulness to Abraham. In his omniscience God wanted to see if Abraham really believed in Him and would trust Him regarding the promise He had fulfilled for him which consisted in providing him a son even though he was old. Fortunately, Abraham passed God’s test and the presence of the ram caught in a thicket by his horns overtly shows that God truly is Jehovah-jireh.
Through Jesus Christ, God’s Begotten Son and our Elder Brother, God has showed his unfailing faithfulness and
constant provision for us. In Jesus God showed the pinnacle of his faithful word, precisely by sending his Son, pre-existent with Him from eternity, to save us from the bondage of sin and death. That is why St. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, rightly says: And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19). In Jesus the Father provided for us that unspotted lamb who takes away the sin of the world (see Jn 1.29)!
Pope Francis has some interesting comment to make on this passage in his Angelus address of Sunday 19 2020. “The Baptist then sees Jesus who is approaching amid the crowd and, inspired from on High, he recognizes in him the One sent by God; he therefore points him out with these words: ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’ (Jn 1:29). The verb that is translated as ‘take away’ literally means ‘to lift up’, ‘to take upon oneself’. Jesus came into the world with a precise mission: to liberate it from the slavery of sin by taking on himself the sins of mankind. How? By loving. There is no other way to conquer evil and sin than by the love that leads to giving up one’s life for others. In the testimony of John the Baptist, Jesus assumes the features of the Lord’s Suffering Servant, who ‘has borne our grief and carried our sorrows’ (Is 53:4) unto death on the Cross. He is the true Paschal Lamb, who immerses himself in the river of our sin in order to purify us”.
Further down, within the same Angelus address, Pope Francis explains how can we, as a Church, love in order to let Jesus in and through us, “take away” the sin of the world. He says:
“What does it mean for the Church, for us today, to be disciples of Jesus, the Lamb of God? It means replacing malice with innocence, replacing power with love, replacing pride with humility, replacing status with service. It is good work! We Christians must do this: replace malice with innocence, replace power with love, replace pride with humility, replace status with service. Being disciples of the Lamb means not living like a ‘besieged citadel’, but like a city placed on a hill,
open, welcoming and supportive. It means not assuming closed attitudes but rather proposing the Gospel to everyone, bearing witness by our lives that following Jesus makes us freer and more joyous”.
Is there a providence much more providentially needed than this in today’s world? In other words, when evil is substituted by good? When grace enters in and takes the domain unjustly occupied by sin and its consequent destruction? Thus, pastorally speaking, living the meaning of the divine appellation Jehovah-jireh, the Lord will provide, means adopting Jesus’ healing and most opened attitudes of innocence, love, humility, service, welcoming and support. Pope Francis nicely summarized all these attitudes when he said, during his Angelus address of 2 August 2020: “God’s logic ... [is] the logic of taking responsibility for others. The logic of not washing one’s hands, the logic of not looking the other way. No. The logic of taking responsibility for others. That ‘let them fend for themselves’ should not enter into the Christian vocabulary.”
Thus, as a chaplain, I am now realizing that representing a provident God with the patients and hospital staff I serve, means being available to them in the way I welcome and support them. God’s providence impels me to listen to them, walk with them patiently, and respect their pace together with the dictates of their conscience. Moreover, God’s providence prepares my heart and soul to be receptive of God’s correction through the ones I am offering my pastoral accompaniment. In so doing I cease to behave like a ‘besieged citadel’ and be more like a companion on the way for them. Only via such caring attitudes, which genuinely reflect a humble and a disinterested service, can pastoral care be, as Pope Francis would beautifully paraphrase in his encyclical letter on fraternity and social friendship, Fratelli Tutti, “an enduring vision of transformation and growth” (no.159). A vision fully impregnated with freedom and joy of the Gospel to everyone who opens himself and herself for it!
Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap
Scandal of under-qualified nurses in NHS as new recruits may have missed hundreds of hours of training
Hundreds of students have already had their graduation delayed over course blunder as regulator is under fire again
by Rebecca Thomas - Health Correspondent
The UK’s under-fire nursing regulator is being forced to investigate as a third of universities may have released trainee nurses to work in hospitals despite failing to carry out hundreds of hours of mandatory training. The potential training failure comes after the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) allegedly ignored warnings from universities about the problem three years ago, with the regulator only now taking action.
The blunder means an unknown number of nurses may have been sent to work in hospitals without the required amount of experience, and hundreds of student nurses have already had their graduation date delayed, leaving some concerned about public safety. It is the latest challenge for the body following a damning report into the NMC, which The Independent revealed last week found is endangering the public due to its toxic culture and turning a blind eye to serious sexual, physical and racist abuse.
The review, sparked by this publication’s reports of a whistleblower’s allegations,
also warned that nurses and midwives are being harmed by the NMC’s delayed and flawed investigation processes –at least six nurses were found to have taken their own lives while under investigation last year.
Thirty out of 98 universities are now facing reviews by the NMC into how they have monitored the qualifications of student nurses and midwives. Students are required to do 2,300 hours of training but could be hundreds of hours short. However, this does not necessarily mean they are not safe to practice. Student nurses are overseen by a supervisor in their first year of work.
The NMC temporarily loosened rules around what could be recorded as training hours in 2021. The hours include training on placements in hospitals or community health services, and simulation exercises that model a healthcare scenario for students. However, university administrators recorded hours that students took to “reflect” on their work. One former NMC source suggested lunch hours were also being recorded as training hours. Four former NMC staff members separately told The Independent alleged concerns were first raised to the highest
levels of the organisation in 2021 when six universities flagged inaccuracies.
However, sources say no action was taken to address this until last year. The NMC said in a statement it became officially aware in December 2022. One student at Brighton University, who asked to remain anonymous, said she believes the problem is a public safety issue and that students at her university are in limbo over how they will make up hours.
She said: “I always thought to myself, I’m going to make sure I’m doing 2,300 because if I look a patient or their family in the face and say ‘yeah I’m qualified, I’ve done what my regulator says I need to’ but actually I haven’t, then I’m a liar. “I repeatedly said it to my year of students and was told, ‘don’t look for problems where there are none’.”
The issue appears to have arisen following the pandemic in 2021 when the NMC temporarily loosened rules around what could be recorded as training hours. According to reports in the Nursing Times, the University of Brighton had incorrectly told its students they could
continued on page 28
Scandal of under-qualified nurses in NHS
continued from page 26
automatically record 5.5 hours of “reflective practice”, which is essentially time spent learning from and reflecting on the job or simulation training.
A University of Brighton spokesperson said: “Following initial discussions with the NMC earlier this year, we acted swiftly to make changes to the way students on our nursing courses achieve their clinical hours to meet the required standards. “The NMC has provided assurance that the steps we have taken will enable our students to complete their required clinical hours, graduate and begin their future careers.” Last year some Canterbury Christchurch students were told their graduation date would be delayed because of a similar problem. The NMC found 160 of the nurses who had graduated and gone on to work needed to be reviewed and put through a “fraudulent or incorrect entry process”. They have all now been deemed safe. The university said the issue had been highlighted 12 months ago and since rectified, with all thirdyear students qualifying and starting jobs last autumn.
In April the NMC sent a letter to education providers asking them to review courses. One source, who has since left the NMC, claimed the team having to deal with the problem did not have enough staff to address it properly. This was raised to the chief executive. It is not clear how many students could be affected, but each year around 100,000 nurses and midwives qualify across 98 universities. The Independent understands universities could face legal action from students if they are forced to pay more to make up their courses.
Sam Foster, of the NMC, said: “We’re looking at this very carefully to understand whether we could have
identified this at an earlier point.” She said the regulator was “working collaboratively with key stakeholders” to address the issue in a way that was “safe, proportionate and fair”.
Patricia Marquis, executive director of the Royal College of Nursing England, said: “We are very concerned by reports that some institutions have mismanaged student access to practice learning.
“Any student who finds that they haven’t completed enough hours, and so are unable to graduate and start their career in health and care, should receive appropriate financial compensation to ensure that they do not have to personally carry the costs.”
The Crucial Role of Nurses and Midwives in Malta:
Maintaining Updated Registration and Personal Information
One critical aspect of this regulatory framework is the obligation for nurses and midwives to keep their registration and personal information up to date with the CNM. Last year, the CNM launched a new Health Professional Online Service (HPOS), streamlining this process and making it more accessible than ever. Even though this system is not perfect, the CNM is constantly arranging and updating all the necessary information to be up to standard and running smoothly.
In the sphere of healthcare, nurses and midwives play an indispensable role. Their dedication, skills, and compassion form the backbone of patient care and support. In Malta, these professionals are regulated by the Council of Nurses and Midwives (CNM), ensuring that standards are met and maintained. continued
The Importance of Updated Registration and Personal Information
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date personal and professional information with the CNM is not merely a bureaucratic requirement; it is a vital aspect of professional practice. Several key reasons underscore the importance of this obligation:
Ensuring Regulatory Compliance: Nurses and midwives must adhere to regulations set forth by the CNM.
ikompli minn paġna 15
infermiera biss, imma sfortunatament unjons akbar kienu jilgœabuha tal-bully u sa anke iddikjaraw li huma ‘miÿÿewæin’ ma’ partit politiku fil-gvern (mill-1978 sal-1992). Allura kellek sitwazzjoni fejn kull darba li xi unjon indipendenti talinfermiera tipprova tieœu azzjoni biex ittejjeb is-sitwazzjoni, iqumu l-irwiefen kollha u jiffurmaw ‘kumitati t’azzjoni’ biex ikissru azzjonijiet industrijali leæittimi kontra kundizzjonijiet taxxogœol pessmi imposti mill-istess gvern. Barra minn hekk, l-azzjoni li kien œa l-gvern tal-æurnata, meta ordna lockout lit-tobba meta strajkjaw fl-1977, setgœa kellha r-repurkussjoni tagœha u kienet ta’ deterrent anke gœal istess infermiera. Unjons bœal dawn qatt ma setgœu jeÿistu fit-tul, sakemm ma jkunx hemm rieda tajba minn kulœadd. Dak iÿ-ÿmien l-infermiera riedu inkoraææiment enormi biex jingœaqdu gœaliex kienu gœadhom iœossuhom ferm ‘inferjuri’ biex ikollhom il-unjon tagœhom. Fost l-ilmenti li kellhom jittieœdu azzjoni fuqhom kien hemm dawk ix-xogœolojiet li ma kienux tan-nurses u xogœolijiet amministrattivi li l-infermiera kellhom bilfors jagœmlu. Fost ix-xogœolijiet li ma kellhom x’jaqsmu xejn man-nursing kien hemm: L-imsieœ tal-œoroæ tat-twieqi bil-biçça mxarrba u ‘b’ordni tas-soru’; tindif ta’ tagœmir; tindif tal-pantry; tiwi talloÿor; l-imsieœ tal-iÿgambelli; l-gœadd ta’ œwejjeæ u loÿor maœmuæin gœallaundy, l-ixxuttar tal-platti, l-ippakkjar tad-dressings fid-drums u jien niftakar ukoll xi nurses li rajthom jaœslu u jgœorku l-art bil-misœun u l-grizol. Wara perjodu ta’ ÿmien li n-nurses ma setgœux isaqsu imma jobdu biss, unjons æodda bœal dik tal-Malta Union of Nurses fl1976, imwaqqfa minn infermiera bœal Urpani u Tanti, kienet qed tagœmel pressjoni kollaborattiva u azzjonijiet biex tippreserva l-kundizzjonijiet talinfermiera. L-infermiera kienu bdew jieœdu xi ftit tan-nifs u jitkellmu aktar dwar il-professjonaliÿmu tagœhom, sakemm mingœajr ma jafu, din il-unjon sofriet il-mewta naturali tagœha. Pero’ il-Malta Midwives Association (MMA) li æiet stabbilita fl-1974 minn Miss Mary Vella Bondin, li kienet midwife u lettur prinçipali tal-midwifery, baqgœet œajja u gœadha teÿisti sal-lum.
Kien fit-tmeninijiet, fejn kellek qawmien gdid u interess fl-assoçjazzjonijiet talistudenti infermiera fi œdan l-iSchool for Nurses ta’ Gwardamangia. Dan pjuttost kien xprunat mill-klima politika partiææjana ta’ dik il-œabta fejn kellek studenti bi twemmin politiku xellugi u
lemini li riedu ‘jaqbÿu’ gœad-drittijiet
tagœhom bœala studenti. Ironikament dawn it-tnejn kien jisimhom S.N.A. Waœda ‘Student Nurses Association’ u l-oœra ‘Studenti Nfermiera Attivi’. Ma naqsux lanqas xi inçidenti ÿgœar bejn dawn it-tnejn, minœabba l-polarizzazzjoni tat-tmeninijiet fosthom waqt talent show tal-Milied u meta xi studenti strajkjaw b’simpatija lejn settur ieœor ta’ œaddiema waqt azzjoni industrijali. Ma ninsewx li t-tmeninijiet kienu ÿminijiet turbulenti ferm fejn jidœlu d-drittijiet industrijali talœaddiema. Hawnhekk ukoll kollox kien sfaxxa fix-xejn, sakemm twaqqfet InNurses Association b’ inizzjattiva ta’ Prof Donia Baldacchino. Din l-Assoçjazzjoni, bil-motto tagœha ‘Care & Cure’ kienet attiva gœal xi snin u kien anke bis-saœœa tagœha li twaqqfet l-MUMN.
Wara dal-perjodu l-maææoranza talinfermiera affiljaw l-aktar mal-UŒM (Union Œaddiema Mgœaqudin), fejn
l-Auditorju tal-iSchool for Nurses fl-aœœar tas-sittinijiet
il-œabta. Kellhom jgœaddu madwar 70 sena minn mindu Wenzu Mallia ifforma l-ewwel unjon tal-infermiera, meta wara li kienu irreÿenjaw œafna infermiera en masse mill-GWU u l-UŒM, ingœaqdu malMUMN (Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses), li konsegwentament saret l-unika unjon li tirrappreÿenta l-maææoranza talimpjegati tal-professjoni infermeristika. Dan seœœ fid-19 ta’ Settembru 1996 waqt Laqgœa Æenerali Straodinarja fejn gœaddiet mozzjoni biex temenda l-istatut tal-MUM (Malta Union of Midwives, imwaqqfa fl-1990) u tilqa’ l-infermiera u qwiebel kollha fi œdanha. L-MUM kienet saret MUMN u gœadha hekk sal-lum. Wieœed jawgura li individwi bœal Wenzu Mallia u dawk kollha li æew wara, li qabÿu dejjem gœall-infermier, jiæu rikonoxxuti u mfakkra.
L-Assoçjazzjonijiet li twaqqfu wara kienu
22 ta’ Novembru, 1997 (https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/ bitstream/123456789/21305/1/il-Musbieh%20-%2003.PDF)
Wenzu Mallia
Mark Laurence Zammit - Times of Malta
Nurses (MAPN) f’Mejju tal-2006, l-Association of Nurses and Midwives in Advanced Practice (ANMAP-Malta) fejn tirrappreÿenta 110 Advanced Nurses u Midwifery professionals f’Mater Dei Hospital u l-Maltese Emergency Nurses’ Association.
Min jaœseb li qiegœed ibaxxi lilu nnifsu professjonalment gœaliex huwa affiljat f’unjon huwa ÿbaljat bil-kbir. Œafna rebœiet fil-kundizzjonijiet tax-xogœol tal-infermiera u qwiebel ma æewx mixxejn. Œafna rebœiet æew b’sagrifiççji kbar u m’gœandniex niœduhom ‘for granted’. Ta’ min ifakkar ukoll li bejn il-perjodu tal-1964 u l-1996, meta Malta kienet kwaÿi xotta gœal kollox minn unjon tal-infermiera, l-istatus professjonali tagœna kien affettwat speçjalment meta konna nippruvaw nillobijaw mal-politiçi li setgœu iæibu l-bidliet mistœoqqa. Wieœed allura gœandu jawgura li jkollna aktar leaders ÿgœaÿagœ fit-trejdunjoniÿmu, u allura jkollna aktar nies bœal Wenzu Mallia, gœax illum nafu fejn qegœdin u gœadha, œadd ma rah.
Referenzi
https://juannmamo.wordpress.com/it-tahditiet/ https://www.mumn.org/about-us/ Mamo, Juann, Ulied in-Nanna Venut fl-Amerika, Stampat Sda. Cristofero 47, Il-Belt, 1930 Cassar Anton, Borg Olivia, Grima Adrian, Personaææi f’Ulied in-Nanna Venut fl-Amerika’ ta’ Juan Mamo, SKS, 2013 Terribile, T, Xi Toroq fil-Œamrun, Programm talFesta San Gejtanu, Œamrun, 2000 Vassallo History, Election Candidates 1921-2008, vassallomalta.com website, aççessat 2023, 2024
Camilleri, J, C.N., Il-Lingwa Maltija uÿata fid- Dinja Medika, L-Ewwel Parti (Il-Musbieœ, Æunju 2018)
Tanti, Denis, Puppet trade unions – Trade unions must truly represent its members interests and not be associated with any political parties, 23 March 2023 (Times of Malta0 Zarb Dimech, Anthony, Early trade unionism in Malta – The Malta Civil Service Association, 21 May 2023 (Times of Malta)
Actress launches organ donation campaign after friend’s transplant
Lydia Abela, Bernard Grech, JoEtienne Abela join campaign: ‘after death, organs can live in others’
When her close friend had to be urgently airlifted to another country for a heart transplant, a renowned Maltese actress was inspired to start a campaign to encourage people to register as organ donors.
Lara Azzopardi, known mostly for her roles in local television series and films, brought together the wife of the prime minister, the opposition leader and the health minister, among others, to remind people that their organs can live in other people after their death.
Azzopardi, who is a nurse by profession, spend seven years working at the renal unit at Mater Dei Hospital and she admits the countless hours she spend working for people who suffered from kidney diseases opened her up to the good cause of organ donation.
But it was her friend’s serious heart condition and urgent transplant that inspired her to go a step further and launch the campaign.
any moment, he told Times of Malta.
‘One
of the best gifts’
Opposition Leader Bernard Grech joined the campaign, saying he and his wife had registered to become organ donors when they were just 22, and said one of the best gifts in life is giving part of oneself.
Lydia Abela, the prime minister’s wife, said meeting people who need a heart transplant highlights the preciousness of life, and saving people’s lives is the ultimate gift of love.
Sharples, Catherine, Nursing in Malta (1964-1996): A Narrative of Delayed Professionalisation, teÿi, University of Manchester for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, 2017
body - but managed to live with
When he was 17 he discovered he had cardiomyopathy - a condition that prevents the heart from pumping blood efficiently throughout the body - but managed to live with it normally for 35 years through periodical interventions. During a routine check-up last November, however, his doctor noticed that his heart had been behaving abnormally in the weeks prior to the appointment.
Health Minister JoEtienne Abela said that despite being always tragic and unpleasant, death can also be transformed into new life. An organ donor’s death can save up to eight other people’s lives, he said, which is why people should seriously consider registering as donors.
Anyone who has turned 16 can become an organ donor by signing up through eID on organdonation.com.mt.
That is when he was told he needed to be admitted to hospital urgently, and by the first week of December he was airlifted to Sicily to wait for a heart transplant, which he received on December 8.
become an organ donor by registration form to post, which they
Alternatively, people can request a registration form to be sent to them by post, which they then fill in and send back, or by filling in the form at Mater Dei’s renal unit.
Doctors later told transplant in
Doctors later told him that had he not gotten the transplant in time, he could have suffered a cardiac arrest that could have killed him at
The Crucial Role of Nurses and Midwives in Malta
continued from page 29
Keeping their registration current is a fundamental part of this compliance. Failure to do so is unprofessional and can result in repercussions. This compliance is essential not only for the individual professional but also for maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the entire healthcare system.
Facilitating Effective Communication: Up-to-date contact information ensures that the CNM can communicate effectively with healthcare professionals. Important updates, regulatory changes, renewal notices, and professional development opportunities are all communicated via email or other contact methods. Missing these
communications can lead to missed opportunities or non-compliance with new documents and publications. This effective communication network ensures that nurses and midwives are always informed about the latest practices, standards, and educational opportunities, which is crucial for their professional growth and the quality of care they provide.
Enhancing Patient Safety: Accurate information about a nurse or midwife’s qualifications and place of work is crucial for patient safety. It ensures that only qualified professionals are practicing and that their areas of expertise are accurately represented. Inaccurate or outdated information can lead misinformation.
even those with limited technical skills can update their information without difficulty. By using the e-ID, the platform ensures that only authorized individuals can access and update personal information, maintaining confidentiality and security.
Nurses and midwives can update a wide range of information on the HPOS platform. They can ensure their personal details, such as address, email, and contact number, are accurate and current. They can also update their place of work, ensuring that employment information reflects their current position. Additionally, the platform allows them to record post-graduate qualifications and additional certifications, providing a comprehensive view of their professional
Beyond Bruises
The Psychological toll of Domestic Violence on Women
As of late, our country has experienced a spate of violence against women, ending in unspeakable tragedies. Women who loved men, not knowing that this love would one day turn into their demise, in the most brutal way.
Women who did not even know their abusers but where murdered whilst going about their business. These women went beyond being battered and bruised. They were murdered. In 2022, three women were murdered, which led to the Government introducing the concept of femicide, a first in the history of Maltese Law.
The decision to introduce femicide into Maltese law has been welcomed by women’s rights campaigners as a step in the right direction, however it remains a first step, with many questioning whether this is enough. Many of those at the heart of femicide and domestic violence – those who lost mothers, daughters, friends to reality – believe nothing will change unless it is backed by real commitment, namely, resources and education. When one thinks of an epidemic, the first thing that comes to mind is the rapid spread of a disease or contagion within a specific population, community, or region that affects a significantly higher number of individuals than expected. Whilst one traditionally associates an epidemic with infectious diseases such as influenza, Covid 19, scabies and Ebola, the term epidemic can also describe the widespread occurrence of non-communicable diseases which include obesity, drug addiction or domestic violence.
Violence against women and girls continues to be a global epidemic that
kills, tortures and maims via diverse methods, be it physical, psychological, sexual and financial. Domestic violence is one of the most pervasive of human rights violations, denying women equality, security, dignity and self-worth. Furthermore, it denies the woman a right to enjoy fundamental freedom. For millions of women worldwide, home is not a sanctuary but a place that fills them with fear and dread at the hands of the individual they trusted most. It cuts across boundaries of culture, class, education, income, ethnicity and age. Even though most societies proscribe violence against women, the reality is that violations against women’s rights are often sanctioned under the garb of cultural practices and norms.
Domestic violence can be described as the power misused by one adult in a relationship to control another. It is the establishment of control and fear in a relationship through violence and other forms of abuse. The frequency of the violence can be on and off, occasional or chronic. Scheter (2016), states that “Domestic Violence is not simply an argument. It is a pattern of coercive control that one person exercises over another. Abusers use physical and sexual violence, threats, emotional insults and economic deprivation as a way to dominate their victims and get their way.” Furthermore, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005), states that any act, conduct, omission or commission that harms or injures or has the potential to harm or injure will be considered domestic violence by the law. Subsequently, this Act explains how even a single act of omission or commission may constitute domestic violence. In other words, women do not have to suffer a prolonged period of abuse before
taking recourse to law, which also covers children. Domestic violence may be perpetrated by both men and women, however research shows that the most common victims are women.
So what leads to domestic violence? Domestic violence against women is a phenomenon that has existed for many years. Various perpetuating factors such as culture, religion, economics and politics may set the precedence for the initiation of domestic violence, however, ultimately, committing such an act of violence is a choice that the perpetrator makes out of a range of options. Moreover, whilst one cannot underestimate the impact of cultural and social norms in the aetiology of genderbased violence within any country, individual-level variables also play an important role in why such violence develops. These include the observation of violence between the child’s parents, an absent father or delinquent peer associations. Subsequently, domestic violence can also be related to the difference in the physical strength and size of the woman. In societies where there are rigid gender roles and a patriarchal power structure, women find themselves poorly equipped to protect themselves against their partners’ violence.
Domestic violence is not only about the physical and visible injuries. It also undermines the psychological, economic, social, emotional and spiritual well being of the victim and society as a whole. Moreover, domestic violence can contribute to women’s ill health. Research shows that domestic violence may have serious consequences on the woman’s
continued on page 39
ICN says new WEF report shows unacceptable slow progress on gender parity and calls for urgent action with nurses in vanguard
Geneva, Switzerland, 12 June 2024 - The International Council of Nurses (ICN) says the progress to gender parity revealed by a new World Economic Forum (WEF) report launched today is unacceptably slow and damaging to our healthcare systems and wider economies. Nursing is a prime example of a profession that is opening up opportunities for women but where still much more needs to be done and where nurse leaders can be at the vanguard of progress.
The 18th edition of the WEF Global Gender Gap Report, shows that parity between men and women in terms of economic participation, education, health and political empowerment will take 134 years to achieve at the current rate of progress. The report shows that while half the economies included in the survey made incremental gains, globally the gender gap has only closed by 0.1% to 68.5% since last year.
Beyond Bruises
mental, physical, reproductive and sexual health. These include, amongst others, physical injuries, temporary or permanent disabilities, gynaecological issues, major depression and suicidal ideations. According to Witness Justice, USA (2005), “Many forms of verbal and psychological abuse appear relatively harmless at first, but expand and grow more menacing over time, sometimes gradually and subtly. As victims adapt to abusive behaviour, the verbal or psychological tactics can gain a strong ‘foothold’ in victims’ minds, making it difficult for them to recognize the severity of the abuse over time.”
Such physical and mental health outcomes often lead to social and emotional sequelae for both the individual, her family and the community at large. Over both the short term and long term, the woman’s physical
It says that the slow progress that had been made in women being hired into leadership roles is now starting to erode from a peak in 2022. And as the global economy has cooled, it is women that have been disproportionately affected, reinforcing the systemic issues that hold women back in the workplace.
The WEF says governments and businesses must shift resources and mindsets to embrace gender parity as essential for sustainable growth, adding that it is only through collaboration and targeted interventions that a 50/50 world can be achieved.
ICN President Dr Pamela Cipriano said nurses are all too aware that obtaining gender equality, particularly in leadership roles is a slow, uphill struggle but one that it is of paramount importance to address.
‘Nursing, as a female-dominated profession, is spearheading progress and opening up leadership opportunities for women that were not there in the
past. But governments and employers need to commit additional resources to accelerate progress towards gender equity, including through investments in nursing education, jobs and particularly leadership roles. Gender parity is not only the right thing to do, but also essential if we want our world to progress in a sustainable direction as defined by UHC2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. The current rate of progress towards gender parity is wholly unacceptable and damaging to our healthcare systems, communities and economies.”
ICN is supporting WEF’s work, with ICN Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton contributing as an expert to its Global Future Council, which published a report on The Future of the Care Economy in April of this year, echoing many of the findings of this year’s International Nurses Day report, including the vital importance of addressing the gender gap for the sake of safeguarding our healthcare systems and wider economies.
injuries and/or the psychological impact may affect their education and career paths, thus leading to poverty and economic dependence on their partner/spouse. Family life often leads to disruption in such cases, leaving a significant negative effect on children. Furthermore, the woman and children may be at risk of poverty especially if divorce or separation occurs.
Domestic violence remains a pervasive and complex issue that indirectly affects the victim, families and communities worldwide. It is a multifaceted problem that stems from power imbalances, societal norms and more often than not, intergenerational cycles of abuse. Addressing domestic violence requires the woman to be empowered through human rights education, information regarding domestic violence, legal literacy and employment opportunities. Furthermore, a comprehensive approach involving legal frameworks, and awareness campaigns aimed at
prevention and early intervention should take precedence. Ultimately, empowering survivors whilst holding the perpetrators accountable are critical steps in breaking the cycle of abuse. Equality is essential to eradicate domestic violence because at the end of the day, everyone has the right to live free from fear and harm.
“Mother says there are locked rooms inside all women; kitchen of love, bedroom of grief, bathroom of apathy. Sometimes the men they come with keys, and sometimes the men they come with hammers” (Warsan Shire)
“As a member of MAPN and as a psychiatric nurse by profession, I dedicate this article to all the women in Malta who are and were victims of domestic violence.”
Sharon Cuschieri MAPN Council https://www.mapnmalta.net/
Ethics & Health Care
by Marisa Galea Vella
The Patient’s Advocate - PART 2
Choi (2015) describes the process of advocacy in four stages by Choi (2015). These are, assessing the need for patient advocacy; identifying the goals of patient advocacy; planning and implementing advocacy actions, and evaluating the outcomes of patient advocacy.
Nurses can initiate this assessment by considering the following points: whether the patient is aware of, or has a good understanding of their prognosis and treatment options; whether they understand their right to refuse treatment/care or that they can seek a second opinion; has the patient had the opportunity to discuss their needs, desires and preferences with regards to their care, including cultural and spiritual needs; have their rights and choices been respected, perhaps more notably when ethical decisions such as the use of physical restraint or institutionalisation have been made; and, whether the patient would like a significant other involved in the decision making process (Choi, 2015).
When the assessment process is completed, the information collated can facilitate the identification of patient advocacy goals. These are typically linked to the provision of safe, efficient quality care that empowers patients and possibly significant others to be able to make effective decisions. Examples of goals of patient advocacy cited by Choi (2015) include fostering partnerships, helping patients to cope with the complexities of care, provide
comprehensive information related to care and treatment options, adopt a non-judgemental disposition, provide holistic care which is particularly linked to safeguarding, ensure improved quality of life for the patient and be prepared to stand up for social justice by challenging inappropriate policies and regulations in the healthcare system.
In Bu & Jezewski’s (2007) conceptual analysis which aimed to examine the concept of patient advocacy, three core attributes of patient advocacy were identified: 1) safeguarding patients’ autonomy; 2) acting on behalf of the patient; and 3) championing social justice in the provision of health care. These attributes of nursing advocacy complimented with an appropriate assessment and identification of goals puts nurses in a strategic position to create a plan that includes a variety of practices to advocate for their patient.
In 2014, Choi et al. carried out a field study to examine nurses’ advocacy role and practices in the clinical context. Some of the actions identified included safeguarding patients from harm resulting from the negligence or misconduct of the healthcare team; presenting patient preferences
to the healthcare team, negotiate with the healthcare team, strengthen communication by organising case conferences with the patient and significant others; communicate effectively all relevant information to the patient and loved ones including treatment options as well as related policies and procedures within the healthcare system; provide essential information and timely support for a discharge that promotes self-care; help patients to become empowered through assertiveness and expression of their opinions; be ready to collaborate with third parties, including advocacy groups; be prepared to challenge the system in the face of bureaucracy, policies and regulations that are not effective; and move out of the comfort zone by speaking up and serving on committees, activist groups, task forces to support action in favour of patients and their families.
Advocacy can present positive and negative outcomes. Positive outcomes can for example be linked to the achievement of the identified goals, examples of which were given above,
continued on page 42
Leonard Schembri, our colleague and friend, now a retired nurse, launched a book in English
“The Unfolding Story of the Holy Grail & Other Stories”
The book contains six stories and are varied in character and form. They all delve into life’s dualistic and impermanent reality. The first story is a unique biblical novella in the time of Jesus Christ. This story bridges many unknown gaps of why and what became to be known as The Holy Grail.
The other 5 stories are about different people’s relationships and the complexities that relationships each pose to its participants where each relationship is unique from any other. All the stories have their twists and turns, to keep you glued to each story until its end. I hope that you will enjoy the reading adventure.
The Unfolding Story of the Holy Grail is how Judas and Mary Magdalene played a very important role with regard to the Holy Grail. Their characters are depicted differently from the ones we know. This story evolves from a different perspective and fills in the unknown gaps, as it were, about what was the Holy Grail was and the reasons for it to be considered as holy.
Then there are another two stories about unusual relationships. The Essence of the Painting is about two mature adults, whereas The Retiree is about a recently retired man and a
Ethics & Health Care
continued from page 41
to the satisfaction of those involved in the care of the patient. However, there are negative outcomes that need to be noted here too.
Choi (2015) refers to nurses who speak up for patients and being seen as troublemakers by their colleagues. Choi (2015) also refers to negative emotional responses, including guilt, anger, helplessness, and fear as well as possible damaged relationships and reputation. Choi (2015) highlights that the evidence base indicates that
young woman whom he had admired for many years. Both stories explore the unexpected and the consequences of their relationship.
The Old Woman’s Inheritance is about an old married couple, with the wife becoming greedy and selfish. Their happiness together takes a turn for the worse and even though they have aged, the husband’s erratic thoughts dominate him completely. What happens is the unexpected.
Within the story, The Insatiable Monster Within, we discover how a man’s mind reminisces about his past and his disturbed soul, psyche and way of reasoning. Feeling distraught continuously, he tries to identify the reason that caused his temporary psychosis. The monster is the fight fought between the heart and the mind. Who wins this fight?
The story Room 2 – The Obs & Gynae Ward is about a young woman who changes her beliefs and way of life after spending twenty-four hours in the Gynae Ward. Her short hospital experience had a big impact on her job and her relationship with all her past friends and family. What was she exposed to during those twenty-four hours?”
Bookshops: Agenda & other Miller outlets Price: ¢15.00
Those of you who need to contact Leonard can do so on his mobile phone - 79459111
nurses tend to avoid reporting incidents with the biggest reason being fear of retaliation in the workplace.
Nurses have a responsibility to advocate for patients. It is an integral part of the nurses’ role, their duty. The evidence-base on how nurses learn about advocacy and put it into practice is limited. One step towards this is reflecting on personal and professional values and how these support the application of the advocacy role in practice. Addressing the organisational culture is also required to enable nurses to be provide effective
advocacy. Unfortunately, many nurses, particularly those who fear social consequences, choose to follow conventional practices as described by Choi (2015) and others. However, that could imply that we would rather be comfortable in our bubble and accept the status quo. Is that what it means to be a good nurse?
Read Choi PP (2015) Patient advocacy: the role of the nurse Nursing Standard. 29, 41, pp. 52-58 and other key contributors noted here to explore this important nursing responsibility further.
