NURSES’ CONDITIONS OF WORK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23014, 17 October 1936, Page 19

NURSES’ CONDITIONS OF WORK

TO THE EDITOR Sir, —It is neither my desire nor my intention to enter into controversy with anyone, but there is a matter to which I wish to draw attention. It has recently been brought to my notice that one hard-working section of our community seems to have been overlooked by our Labour Government. They do a really wonderful work in a most pleasant, quiet, and self-sacrificing way, and one hopes they may yet come in for a share of the benefits which the Government is giving to other workers in the country. I refer to the hospital nurses. I have made inquiries, and find that the conditions in some hospitals are quite satisfactory, while in others there is much to be desired. For example. is it right or fair that nurses when off duty should have no room with a fire at which to keep warm on cold days—in fact, no sitting room at all? Then, too, there are the long hours which they are compelled to work —in some cases from 10 p.m. to 8 p.m., with no overtime pay, either. I could mention other things, but trust sufficient has been said to begin some inquiry which will finally bring about better working conditions for our nurses who do such a noble work. — I am, etc., Nurses’ Wellwisher. Benhar. October 15.