AUCKLAND HOSPITAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 97, 26 April 1932, Page 8

AUCKLAND HOSPITAL.

NURSES' HOURS AND FOOD.

MR. RICHARDS IN REPLY.

Mr. A. S. Richards, M.P., writes: — "111 reviewing the statements made by 1110 in the House on the debate of the Public Expenditure Adjustment Bill, it is necessary to remember that my attack was not upon tho administration of tlio board, but against the policy of tho Government, which is, in my opinion, responsiblo for some anomalies that exist in our hospitals. "I regret that Mr. Wallace should be shocked by my statements. Nevertheless such statements are true, as will bo noticed ill tho 'Auckland Star' of Friday last. His exact words are:— 'Wo fought for years for the eight-hour day in the hospital, we got it eventually, and wo stick to it, oxcept in special cases and when the nurses are undertaking special theatre training.' This exactly supports my contention, as my remarks, were in reference to theatre duties. "I doubt if the chairman can disprove that theatre trainees do work over eleven hours daily. Please notice the words, 'Except in special cases' applies to theatre staffs regularly during "the period of their training, of several weeks' duration. 1." . ...

"In reference to itho food, I stated that in some instance^',tlio food was a disgrace. TlliS certainty is true in reference to the food sent round to the night nurses whilst on duty, and I suggest that should tho chairman investigate this particular section of his staff lie will find ample proof of my statement. I did not make general statements covering the whole institution.

"I can assure Mi - . Wallace I have no desiro to embarrass his board in any *vay, I compliment him upon the improvements made of recent years, and I can only assume he is not aware of the detailed conditions under which hie largo staff are working. Hit; other references, such as that to the generoushearted girls volunteering for extra duty when necessary, I whole-heartedly support. They make me all the more earnest to know they are not unduly overworked."