NURSES, THEIR HOURS, AND THE ANNUAL BALL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18189, 23 June 1927, Page 9

NURSES, THEIR HOURS, AND THE ANNUAL BALL.

To the Editor. Sir, —It is pleasing to see your paper take up the question of the overworked nurses in our Public Hospital. Despite the statements based “on almost parental affection” the Rev J. K. Archer appears to have reached the truth in his statement. If the nurses are not overworked, why is it the custom for nurses officially working an eignt hour duty t j regularly report to their wards twenty minutes before time ? In viewing th° ceatc*e.s energy of the*: women in the pcrformar.ee of their duty; their attendance at lectures and theiT devotion to study in private time, as well as their conformHg to the usual hospital discipline regarding wearing of uniforms at lectuies. the adhering strictly to hours of leave, and even to the restrictions imposed in the dining loom, one really wonders how they remain, as a class, so uncomplaining. It is a well known fact that many of the nurses have gone as long as six and eight weeks without a full day off, that is, they have worked an eighthour duty on each ox the seven days of the week. Surely this reflects in some manner on the organisation of the work, if in the words of the chairman there are more nurses per bed than in any other hospitals in New Zealand. It is to be hoped that the matter will be immediately remedied despite the cost. Since the matter has receiv-

ed publicity, thanks to the “Star,” the nurses have been reminded of their loyalty to the hospital. Surely a more loyal band of workers would be hard to find. In conclusion, sir. it is true that the annual nurses’ ball is not being held this year, and if not, why not? —I am, etc., EFFICIENCY