Mixed reaction over nurses’ strike action
THE Government says in regards to the nurses’ industrial action for better pay, that there is no more money available to increase what they have already offered.
The DHBs say they have no more money to spend on increasing the nurses’ salaries. Most householders faced with an increase in costs look at their income to expenditure and ask if there is any way to cut costs to ensure there is enough money for their family needs?
In regards to the nurses’ demand for more money from the SDHB, let’s look at the managerial expenditure and operating expenses of the board.
Starting with the commissioner team; how much does this cost the SDHB? When previous minister Jonathan Coleman made the political appointment of Kathy Grant to head the SDHB, he also announced a very generous remuneration for her. Many in the community were shocked at its generosity for what was essentially parttime work.
The SDHB managerial team: Questions could be asked if they have also been expected to show the same restraint in their salaries as demanded of the nurses?
What would be the expectations of the average salary for these managerial health employees and when were they last given a salary increase?
Expenses of the SDHB: We the community see helicopters being used a lot in the operation of the SDHB. I suspect helicopter transportation is a very expensive mode of transport, which is OK if it is used when there is an acute emergency to a patient.
But it could also be asked, would it not be a lot cheaper and just as safe to use road transport, when transporting patients to other areas. Pauline McIntosh
Invercargill
AS a registered nurse, now retired, with a career of over 40 years including many years as nurse manager of Ross Home, I have witnessed many progressive developments in nurses’ conditions of employment.
However, I was dismayed to hear a nurse on RNZ National expressing indignation at being paid $27 an hour compared to someone else earning $30 for factory work. Such comparison is not relevant.
Similarly one might consider a pair of shoes expensive because a hat is half the price.
I have always supported improved working conditions but have never once been dissatisfied with remuneration.
My job satisfaction was in other aspects of my work. Yet, there would not be a registered nurse in NZ presently earning less than the rate I was on at retirement only a few years ago. There is some shame on nurses that they try to bring our health service to its knees for more pay
(and, incidentally conditions). We all know there are times when nurses are overstretched and understaffed.
Staffing levels need to be aimed at being appropriate for 90% of the time. To staff continuously for every possible situation would be impossibly wasteful. Progress is good. Greed is bad.
William Christie
Gore
Ian Taylor praise
THANK you, Ian Taylor (17.7.18) for your letter ‘‘Time to stop the closeminded city thinking’’. I too have been bemused and frustrated by the negativity of a few regular contributors to the ‘‘Letters to the Editor’’ page.
But I agree wholeheartily with your comments. Let’s hope that more of those with a positive outlook for the city now speak out. Like Mr Smith I live in Waverley, the positive part! Murray Davidson
Waverley
BIBLE READING: I treasure Your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against You. — Psalm 119:11.