Ward 24 probe sought

Press, 19 April 1989, Page 9

Ward 24 probe sought

The Nurses’ Association has called for an open inquiry into child abuse issues at Christchurch Hospital’s specialist child and family unit, Ward 24. The South Island organiser for the association, Mr Trevor Warr, said most of the discussion about the ward had been exaggerated or taken out of context. “Part of the problem is that the staff who are struggling to provide the service have to sit there and remain silent. They have to take the criticism without redressing any,” Mr Warr said. “There has to be an open inquiry

where all information can be. presented in a fair and open way so that people can judge exactly what happened.” The Canterbury Hospital Board has announced it will appoint a senior board consultant to review matters raised about Ward 24 in Television New Zealand’s “Frontline” programme. Exaggerated and incorrect comments about the ward could alienate people who needed the ward’s help, Mr Warr said. . “Staff are angry because they are unable to speak up. They are unable to articulate what they do and why they do it, yet they have nothing to hide.”