NURSING PROFESSION

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 92, 12 January 1929, Page 11

NURSING PROFESSION

AIM OF HEALTH MINISTER By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, January H. Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, Minister for Health, ip an interview to-day, was emphatic in his declaration that in the administration of his department, he would adopt a humanitarian policy, He would consider the human element and always attempt to be fair and just in all matters, He was a firm advocate and follower of the late Mr. Sei-, don’s humanitarian policy. The Minister was very sympathetic when approached on the question of improvement of. working conditions of nurses. “Nursing is an honourable profession and I shall use my influence to make the profession as attractive as possible in order to make it an Inducement to the young womanhood Of the country/’ he said. “Cases have come to my knowledge of nurses work? Ing fpr such long hours and under such arduous conditions that both the nurses themselves, and patients, are prejudiced, I realise that the question is largely a domestic one with local hospital boards, and do not wish to interfere, but I shall certainly take steps to ensure an improvement in the working conditions for nurses.” He was fully aware of the seriousness of unemployment in New Zealqn'd and said that the Government would treat the question as one of the most urgent and important matters, coming before party. Other matters embracing living conditions, housing, etc., were discussed by the Minister, who said legislation was being prepared for these matters. Already there was more money about, he said, and a big improvement in economic affairs was evident.