Nurses angry about speech

Press, 25 September 1987, Page 4

Nurses angry about speech

The Nurses’ Association has reacted angrily to Mr Caygill’s speech. The association’s press officer, Ms Ann Chapman, said there was no evidence that the new Minister of Health understood the real and substantial contribution that nurses and midwives made to the health service in New Zealand.

“For too long we have worked intelligently and

with integrity to provide the best possible service under a difficult environment,” she said. “Nurses have been unacknowledged, underutilised, and exploited and in many respects remain invisible, particularly in the area of policy-mak-ing.”

The Minister’s address reflected an acceptance of the medical ideology that dominated the health policy in New Zealand

and kept nurses invisible, said Ms Chapman.

“This view is also reflected in current reviews — for example, the health benefits review and the methods of operation of the task force to review hospitals and related services, and any publication from the Board of Health."

Mr Caygill had no understanding of what nurses were about, she said.

“We are disappointed that he does not address the future of health services. The health service in New Zealand rises and falls on its nurses. We are no longer handmaidens — without us the health service will collapse.”

The association’s director, Ms Gay Williams, would seek an appointment with the Minister as soon as possible to discuss concerns of nurses.