Nurses debate division

Press, 23 September 1987, Page 9

Nurses debate division

An apparent division among nurses emerged as one of the main issues of the New Zealand Nurses’ Association conference in Wellington yesterday. The association’s president, Mrs Lorraine Sivyer, in her opening address referred to “one group of the profession” which did not appear to be moving with the times. “At a time when changes in health care delivery and management are imminent and more than ever unity in the workplace is needed, one group of the profession appears to be trying to maintain the status quo rather than allow changes in therapeutic environment.”

The changes would enable “greater scope of practice, humanise their care setting and enhance professional standards of

care,” said Mrs Sivyer. While this “group” remained anonymous, the New Zealand Nurses’ Union was not so lucky. Mrs Sivyer referred to a section that had chosen to “physically separate” from the association and went on to name the union, which she accused of “retrospectively” explaining its actions to members. “I wish to state at the outset that this division was in no way sought and instigated by the N.Z.N.A.”

The union was originally formed as an industrial arm of the association and, after changes in industrial law, became autonomous. It still shared office space and secretarial services with the association. “There is no doubt that in any very close relation-

ship, boundaries become blurred, and particularly in the organisation and financial area. It has been a cause of concern to both organisations. “However, it is regretable that current union management has felt it necessary to completely break away rather than work to develop a more acceptable situation.”

Reasons for the break were blurred and had not been clearly explained to the association “and, some may consider, to the Nurses’ Union membership,” said Mrs Sivyer.

“Both organisations must work hard to honour the existing contract regarding subscriptions and dual membership and the N.Z.N.A. will watch carefully and continue to meet the potential needs of all our members.”

Later, during the association’s annual meeting, the executive director, Ms Gay Williams, elaborated a little on the union’s split from the association. She described a dispute over money during the split that had caused problems with the association’s audited accounts.

"Consequently we. had to publish the accounts with a large sum still in dispute.”

A financial solution suitable to both parties had since been worked out, said Ms Williams. The association has 26,000 members, of which 4300 are members of the union — the union’s total membership (including private sector nurses) is about 9000. The association’s conference will continue today and tomorrow.