NURSES' CONDITIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 259, 1 November 1929, Page 10

NURSES' CONDITIONS.

IMPROVEMENT DESIRED.

MINISTER TAKING ACTION.

ST. HELENS HOSPITAL EXPERIMENT

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) > WELLINGTON, Thursday. Assuring members that he desired to see the conditions and hours of hospital nurses improved, the Minister of Health (Hon. A. J. Stallworthy) stated in the House of Representatives to-day that he proposed to make an investigation during the recess. Mr. Stallworthy said the investigation would be made to ascertain whether legislation should be introduced to improve nurses' conditions. The Minister said he had endeavoured to impress upon hospital boards throughout New Zealand that he desired to see an,improvement made. It had been his pleasure to authorise expenditure on improved facilities for nurses. At present conditions and hours of nurses depended very largely upon the hospital boards concerned, 'it was impossible to bring about all the desired reforms in a few short months.

Information concerning hours and conditions in St. Helens Hospitals, which are under the control of the Department of Health, had recently been collated. This was very valuable information, and had not previously been available. The Minister said he was now giving consideration to the details of a scheme under which St. Helens nurses would work an eight-hours' day, and enjoy one day off each week. This scheme would be tried out in one hospital. The Minister, replying to queries from the Reform side of the House, said the shortage of house surgeons would probably be overcome by this time next vear.