NURSES' SALARIES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 215, 11 September 1945, Page 3

NURSES' SALARIES

INCREASES SUGGESTED

CONSIDERATION BY BOARD

A recommendation to hospital boards that they adopt certain new salary scales for nurses was received from the executive of the Hospital Boards' Association of New Zealand at a meeting of the Auckland Board last evening.

The executive recommended a new grade for ward sisters after five years' service as such, proceeding to a maximum of £250 by two annual increments of £15, and an increase throughout the scale of £26 a year to those who live out and £13 a"year to those who live in. In the case of the senior ward sisters, such increase would be added to the £250 maximum.

"These adjustments would have effect from April 1, 1945, in conformity with increases given recently to other employees, for example, the recent increase agreed.to by your, assessors in the domestic staff conciliation proceedings," stated the secretary of the association. "The proposed increases to the nursing staffs are inclusive of all cost of living bonuses, and the rates represent the gross amount.

"Upon receipt of tne approval of the majority of boards the proposals will be submitted to the Stabilisation Commission. It should be mentioned that the rates in the scale, as well as the proposed increases when approved, are permissive and not mandatory. At the same time, in view of information recently to hand that in some cases the- rates being paid are below the scale, it is suggested that boards review their present rates of salaries." The association also forwarded a classified salary scale for laboratory, X-ray, massage, dispensary and dental departments and house surgeons of public hospitals for the board's approval. ■ Both matters were "referred to the finance committee.