THE PLIGHT OF THE NURSES.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 August 1917, Page 6

THE PLIGHT OF THE NURSES.

To the Editor. Kir, —You have lately published some very severe criticisms on the policy (if the Hospital Hoard, criticisms 'which were undoubtedly thoroughly justifiable. :uid from which it is to be hoped they will profit. Thcv is another matter of which T think attention might will be directed, viz.. the treatment of the nurses. For the moment I say nothing of their stipend-, which arc Tid'.cnSously e-mail, or their accommodation, which is absolutely inadequate, but want to draw attention to their hours of work. This is supposed to be eight hours per day, but is verv often exceeded, as it is at the present time owing to pressure of work, and the abnormal amount of siclcnc>s, for which the board is not responsible, but it must be remembered that this is for seven days in the week, and that there is 110 half-holiday, nor any Christmas Day. All the holiday a nurse frets is her annual one, and this has lately beeen cut down to 14 days. Contrast this with the position of the shop or office assistants. These get for holidays, first 52 Sundays and ® half-holi-days or -20 days, then Christmas Day, Boxing Da y. January 1 and 2, flood Friday, Kaster Monday, Kind's Birthday, and Labor Day, eight days more, and. very often a summer holiday as well. Thus it will be seen that while the nurse works 351 (lavs in the year, with 14 day.s oil', her sisters in the otDee and shop work 270 only with 80 days off. I ask the members of the board and the general public, is this fair treatment to so estimable a body of •women?—l am, etc., , VIATOR.