‘They ought to be paid a lot more’
A young Auckland woman who had her surgery cancelled due to the nurse’s strike wants the Government to pay up.
Liv Redman, 18, was scheduled to have laparoscopy surgery for suspected endometriosis.
But the Auckland broadcasting student said she fully supported the striking nurses.
“I’m annoyed and in so much physical pain, but I understand why they are striking.
“My mum is a nurse. She used to work at Starship Hospital’s emergency department, and the stuff they do and service they provide the country is incredible. They should be paid a lot more than they are. I am all for them striking.”
Redman has experienced endometriosis symptoms since she was 15, but it was only picked up earlier this year.
Her doctor referred her to a specialist who booked her in for surgery.
But two weeks ago she got a call to say it was cancelled because of the industrial action.
The surgery was only delayed a week, but given the years of waiting it was a big deal.
“I was on the bus home from university and I just burst into tears. It was heartbreaking, I had just been waiting so long. It is tough to miss out on surgery, but I am stoked the nurses are out there doing their thing to get the pay they deserve. They have been waiting 30 years. I would like them to be paid more so there are no issues like this in the future.” Gemma, Fynn and Jade Hart-Hobman