Waiouru needs nurse

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 21, 20 October 1987, Page 1

Waiouru needs nurse

It has been seven months since the resignation of Waiouru Maternity Annexe's principal nurse and full-time midwife Freda Tohill, and no applications for the position have been forthcoming despite widespread publicity and advertising. The annexe, which han-

dled 57 births last year, is in desperate need of someone to take on the position full-time. Chief Nursing Officer with the Wanganui Area Health Board Sheryl Smail said they had received several enquiries from part-time midwives and currently have the services of midwife Rae Johnson, who is also re-

quired to relieve at other rural hospitals. Mrs Johnson started work at the annexe in April, originally short-term. She told the Bulletin last week that the number of births for 1987 will be well up on last year. Already 50 births have been recorded; eight women are due this month and a further 15 before the end of the year, bringing 1987's total to 73. Mrs Johnson who has a family in Wanganui, said the job requires total commitment. She is currently working 40 hours a week and 15 shifts. Mrs Johnson said the position is being advertised again in staff bulletins at hospitals around the country. Applications close at the end of this month. Mrs Smail attributed the lack of applicants to Waiouru's transient population but stated that the position offers tremendous opportunity for the suitable applicant. As well as the seniority of the position, Waiouru's facilities are impressive and accommodation is available courtesy of the Ministry of Defence, who shares the ! running expenses of the . annexe with the Wanganui Area Health Board.