SHORTAGE OF NURSES

Grey River Argus, 27 August 1946, Page 7

SHORTAGE OF NURSES

AT GREY HOSPITAL POSITION DETERIORATING “At present there is, throughout New Zealand, an acute shortage of nurses. Our own local hospital is feeling the effect. Instead of expecting an increase, we are now faced with a problem in coping with a slight deterioration in the situation,” stated Miss M. Moffatt, Matron of the Greymouth Hospital, yesterday. “One of the main difficulties has been that, while the beds occupied have been increasing in number, the staff of nurses has not been increasing in proportion. Thus the margin of the shortage has become greater simply on account of extra work, as well as on account of fewer staff additions. At present two school girls are working as Voluntary Aides, but many girls who were willing to offer their assistance were unfortunately under age. The recently formed Friends of the Hospital Society are commencing work at the hospital this week, and will no doubt alleviate the pressure. Each woman in the Society has volunteered to do a few hours’ work each week, and will assist in manual nurses’ duties, such as preparing dinners, and helping with the morning and afternoon teas. Two probationers are also expected from Christchurch at the end of the month. Nursing statistics for 1940 and. 1946 give some idea of how the staff shortages at the present time stand: — The number of beds occupied in New Zealand in 1940 was 5331.8, as compared with 8550.05 occupied in 1946. Registered nurses: In 1940 there Were 1 90S, and in 1946 there are 1347. Pupil nurses: In 1940 there were 2319, and in 1946 there are 3280.