LESS WORK FOR NURSES

Waikato Times, Volume 93, Issue 14492, 15 October 1920, Page 5

LESS WORK FOR NURSES

WEEKLY DAY OFF. FIXING THE HOLIDAYS. INCREASE IN SALARIES, A recognition of the arduous duties of nurses in public hospitals has at last been made by the Department of Health, which is now suggesting to Hospital Boards that the conditions of employment of nurses should be modified so as to allow of a clear day off in each week and a minimum annual holiday of 21 days. In a circular which the Department has just issued, it is pointed out that nurses in England will probably come within the scope of the Hours of Employment Bill, providing for a working week of 48 hours. It was recognised that at present there would be a difficulty in arranging for a weekly day off owing to the shortage of probationers, while a further difficulty would be encountered in providing- accommodation for the additional staff. The Waikato Hospital Board was ydsterday asked for an indication of its attitude on the proposals submitted, and also to supply information relative to the number by which the staff would have to be increased to allow of the proposals being carried, out; nature of the extra accommodation required, and the earliest possible date on which the proposed changes could take place. It was stated by the secretary that the nurses at the Waikato Hospital are at present on an eight-hour day. It was decided to grant the matron and sisters each one month’s holiday per annum and the junior doctor and probationers three weeks. Dr Gower (Surgeon-Superintendent' recommended the following increases in the salaries of the nursing staff: Probationers first year £3O, second year £4O, third year £SO, fourth year £75, and a yearly increase of £lO up to £OS, j if considered suitable. Sisters first year £llO, second year £l2O, third year j £139 and after £150; sub-matron £ 175 ; matron £250 (as at present). The recommendation was adopted. The information asked by the Department will be supplied.