DEARTH OF NURSES

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20726, 9 February 1939, Page 13

DEARTH OF NURSES

HOSPITALB DISCUSSIONS ADMISSION OF REFUGEES (By Telegrrapn.—press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, Wednesday ' The shortage of nurses, both regis- ; tered and pupil nurses, in the Dominion, together with the methods to |be adopted to meet the position, ' which, it- was stated, was becoming very serious, formed the subject of a : considerable discussion at the coni ference of the Hospital Boards’ Asso- , ciation of New Zealand to-day. The cause of the shortage, as well 1 as suggestions for rectifying the posi- j ' lion, was reviewed by Miss M. I. j ' Lambie, Director of Nursing Services, j Remits covered a wide range, includ- | ing the possibility of training male ; j nurses. Miss Lambie stated that nurses trained in England and Australia had been encouraged to come to New Zealand. The Nurses and Midwives’ Registration Board had also agreed to a certain number of German and Aus- ! trian refugee nurses being admitted to New Zealand training schools for a year’s further training. Applications for admission were under consideration. A scheme for the training of nursing aides was being prepared for legislation in the coming session. Consideration had also been given to the establishment of central pre- j ; liininary training schools for groups j J of hospitals. I There were six bursaries available ! for Maori girls to take up the nursing profession, said the chairman, Mr J. ; W. Dove, when Mr H. E. Mawley 1 (Wairarapa) moved that the Health and Native Departments be asked to make provision to encourage the training of Maori girls in public hospitals, , so that their services after training i would be available in Maori settle--1 ments. Remits concerning the introduction * of male nurses into hospitals were re- : ferred to the executive to take up j with the Health Department. —