Burden on nurses

Press, 11 August 1980, Page 16

Burden on nurses

' Sir, ~ The chairman of the North Canterbury. Hospital Board, Mr T. Grigg, replies that I “misunderstand the . situation ; at Christchurch; Women’s . Hospital” (August 6). However, I have personally spoken to many nurses who complain bitterly of intolerable con-

ditions and work-load,-) but are reluctant to- confront the authorities lest they jeopardise their jobs ■ and promotion prospects, indeed, because , of' board policy, they are prevented from informing the media; Obstetrics and gynaecology, in J\few Zealand are a rip-off. and ’ conditions fbr'-pubUc patients in hospital’clinics is not improved. The vulnerability , of. women in; consultation situations has- been exploited to its fullest. The patients’ rights group'; is monitoring the situation in Christchurch for both public and private patients. Ohly questioning and confronting the “system” will improve conditions and service. Yours, etc., ’ : SANDRA M. LEGGE.. August 7, 1980. ? - ;