LIBERTY OF NURSES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 274, 19 November 1943, Page 4

LIBERTY OF NURSES

REASON FOR RESTRICTION ON TRAVEL HO&PITAL BOARD DISCUSSION. The reason why nurses must apply to the matron. Miss M. J. Hunter, for permission to travel more than 20 miles from Wanganui on their day oti was given at a meeting ysterday of the Wanganui Hospital Board. The subject was introduced by the Hon. W, J. Kogers, who moved that a resolution imposing this restriction, passed on September 17, 1942, be rescinded. After a discussion Mr. Rogers' motion was lost. Mr. Rogers said that while thoro may have been justification for the original resolution, its necessity had been altered by changed wartime circumstances. In most walks of life people had the right to do what they tiked, within the law, w'hen they finished the day's work, and he beiieveu that nurses should have the same freedom. "I too, feel that the war situation is much better, and that it is time we lifted this restriction on nurses," said Mrs. J. J. Scott. Mr. D. D. Simpson (Hunterville): This was introduced at the instigation of the matron. I would like to hear her views. The matron said that only that morning five nurses had reported sick, with the result that she had to recall five others who had a day off. j; these nurses had been far away it would have been impossible to get them. 'We are working on a limited staff,’’ M.'ss Hunter added. It was also a rule that nurses had to obtain permission for all-night, leave and advise where they would be.

Mr. Simpson: That seems a proper precaution.

Mr. Rogers: ’’m not objecting to established rules, but this is an ex’ re special rule that I would like to see removed.

“I don't think the improved war situation has got anything to do with this." said Mr. T. C. Kincaid (Taihape), who added that it was more a question of staff. In reply to Mr. Kincaid, the matron said the staff position was no better than it was 12 mnoths ago. Mr. Rogers: So far as I am concerned the 20-mile limit is the stumbling block. Many of the nurses did obtain permission to travel, but they seemed to object to asking for this permission, added the matron. “I don t see why they should object,’’ she added. The 20-mile restriction was introduced because on one occasion a nurse went to Wellington on her dav off, but could not get back in time to start work next day and had to be replaced, said the medical superintendent. Dr. H. L. Widdowson. Transport facilities had not improved during the past 12 months and other cases had occurred of nurses being unable to return to duty because of missing trains, or because service cars were fully booked. “Under these circumstances." Dr. Widdowson added, “Miss Hunter is entitled to know what the nurses are doing.” The motion to rescind the previous resolution was supported by Mr. Rogers and Mrs. Scott, but was opposed by other members of the board.