NURSES FROM THE FRONT

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 303, 16 September 1920, Page 6

NURSES FROM THE FRONT

UNFAIRLY TREATED BY HOSPITAL BOAHDS.

Iho nurses have practically all returned from active service, but, apart from thtosc retained for service in the various military hospitals, a good many have not resumed their nursing work," says the Director-General of Hospitals in his annual report. "Several have taken special courses under the Repatriation Board. Some are engaged' in massage, for which they qualified in England, and seven of thie returned sisters have been given a twelve months' course at tho Otago University and the Massage School, Dnnedin Hospital. "Some of the sisters who were given leave from their hospitals have (returned to their previous posts, but it' hias not been found that the "boards lave quite appreciated the fact that these sisters, being returned soldiers, are entitled to special consideration in making appointments on their staffs, nor have they realised that the great experience these women have gained would be of value to the hospitals. This has notably been the case with one board, which has treated a senior officer given leave for active service in a. most unfair manner, in refusing to allow tier to completo her service in tho Army, and superseding her with six months' leave oil pay.

"Seven of the military sisters underwent a very thorough training in the administration of maestheties in the newest metlilods. and after training had very extensive practice in casualty cleariwr stations and . stationary 'hospitals. ' So far one only of these sisters has been given the opportnnits «f carrying on this work, r'oimt'.'v hospitals ire often at a great disadvantage and difficulty with regard'to anaesthetics, and might well avail themselves of 6uch; expert assistance."