WOMEN FOR EGYPT

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24135, 29 November 1941, Page 8

WOMEN FOR EGYPT

Sir,—l. would like to answer "Nurses in Training's" letter. My one ambition was to be a fully qualified nurse. However, circumstances did not permit. Have the nurses in training considered the other side? As they are training to he "real" nurses, surely their duty is to remain at their posts until they have achieved their final goal and have reached the high standard of efficiency obtained by the sisters overseas, for whom we have such admiration. Like many of my, friends, several months before the war commenced we were inspired to "be ready" to render some small service to humanity when the terrible war clouds thundered over the world. When we thought of the little children, invalids and old, helpless people being bombed and tortured could 'we be blamed for wanting to be of some service—no matter how small? The V.A.D.'s have spent two. three and often four evenings a week, after a hard day's work, to train. Some of us have spent one week of our two weeks' annual leave doing our 60 hours' duty in hospital. The week-ends

have been spent in the emergency hospitals, or drilling to learn discipline and to keep fit. From nurses in training we have had to listen to such remarks as: • "We are training to be real nurses . . . . V.A.D.'s only do the dirty work . . Never mind, so do the soldiers. Unfortunately I am one who will not be able to go overseas, but if by working as a V.A.D. in any hospital in New Zealand I will allow one trained nurse to go overseas I will feel my duty is done. The question was asked, "Can the V.A.D.'s stand the gory sights, the climate, etc.? Did the soldiers hesitate? Many had never witnessed gory sights before Crete or Greece, yet think of the heroic deeds they performed. Carry on, brave little V.A.D.'s; we know your real worth. Be not discouraged by criticism. Wo who are left behind will do our bit. May God bless you and bring you safely back across the seas after your duty has been nobly done. Just A V.A.D. |