TROUBLE AMONG NURSES

Evening Star, Issue 18543, 28 January 1924, Page 2

TROUBLE AMONG NURSES

WHOLESALE RESIGNATIONS. The Thames Hospital Board accepted with regret (says the Auckland ‘ Star ’) the resignation of Sister White, who stated that she wished to take six months' rest. The resignation of Sister Morrison was also accepted, and it was decided to send a letter of appreciation to both nurses. This was the culmination of (rouble among the hospital staff, which formed the subject of inquiry by a committee whoso report has just been made public. The first of the committee’s mootings was held on December 28 to consider the suspension of Nurse H. M. Bonn, on a charge of insubordination in making certain remarks about the matron, Miss Smith. Full inquiries were made into the matter at that meeting from the matron, doctor, and also Nurse Benn, with tho result that the committee recommended that Nurse Benn be admonished tynd that she be reduced in rank for six mouths,. Tho next meeting was held op January 3 to deal with the resignation of nine nurses mid two sisters. The matron and doctor, who were present, explained to the committee that on December 28 the bed and bed-clothing of Sister White had been thrown over tho balcony of the Nurses’ Home on to the wot grass. Tho nurses were then called together, and a notice was posted stopping all leave for three days. In consequence of this Nurses Benn, Ellis, Johnson. Wilsher, Hood, MTvenzie, .Wells, Ganiey, and Fleming resigned. The Chairman Inquired from the doctor and matron whether they could carry on tho hospital in tho event of tho resignations being accepted, and on their replying that they could do so, the committee decided to accept the resignations and to relieve tho nurses ol their duties at the expiration of fortyeight hours, or as soon after as was convenient to them. It was also decided to accept Sister Bayldon’s : resignation with regret, and to consider Sister White's resignation at the next board meeting. Sister White’s resignation, as already stated, has been accepted.