MEDALS FOR NURSES

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27010, 9 April 1953, Page 3

MEDALS FOR NURSES

Sir.—l was astounded to read “Ratepayer’s” letter under the heading “Medals for Nurses.” “Ratepayer” complains that 13s 6d spent on a medal -for nurses who have passed their final examination and then done a further year as staff nurse is too much and even suggests that half the price would be enough. May I, as one who has been a patient m the Christchurch Hospital on several occasions for long periods, and whose life has been saved in hospital, express my opinion about it. I cannot find words to express my thanks tn the whole of the hospital staff (and that includes everyone) as everyone plays a small part in a wonderful and efficient service. To the nurses, one cannot possibly express the thanks they deserve. They cheerfully do a wonderful job, and if the medals were made of gold they would not be too good.—Yours, etc., STEVE. April 8, 1953.

Sir.—l have read this morning, with a rising temperature, “Ratepayer’s” letter about medals for nurses. It is apparent that “Ratepayer” has never experienced the attention of these unselfish and cheerful girls, who tend the sick and who, in addition to long, painstaking hours of duty, have to study hard in their free time to further their usefulness. I, for one greatly commend the Hospital Board for recognising, if tardily, the service nurses render the community; and I can only hope, without being bloodthirsty, that “Ratepayer” will have to spend a month in hospital. I am sure that at the end of the period he will be more than willing to buy at least some of the medals himself. —Yours, etc.. RATEPAYER PATIENT. April 8, 1953.