Hutt nurses rally for better conditions
Car horns and music kept up the spirits of Hutt nurses as they rallied outside Hutt Hospital.
More than 100 nurses and supporters gathered yesterday afternoon, waving flags and placards and cheering as passing motorists tooted in support.
Hutt Valley nurses added their voices to growing cries around the country demanding better and safer staffing levels, more investment from the government into patient care and a fair pay increase.
Many attended the rally during a day off, or had just finished a shift at the hospital.
New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) delegate Ady
Piesse said nursing had been underfunded for 15 years and they wanted to do a lot better.
‘‘It’s not all about the pay rise. Yes, we deserve to be acknowledged for the work we do, it’s massive, but we also need to retain staff as well. We can’t do that on what nurses are earning at the moment.’’
She said nurses needed to be able to give patients the best possible care and that pay should reflect the training, skills and responsibility the profession demanded. Over the past decade, she had seen at least 10 of her colleagues leave for Australia. Other nurses at the rally said if conditions weren’t improved, it was likely more staff would leave. Emergency department nurse Stephanie Beddis has been in the job since about 1980. ‘‘We’re out here to get better and safer staffing and a fair pay rise,’’ she said. ‘‘It’s awesome to see the support and see all the nurses out here banding together to make a difference for our patients.’’
Another nurse, who asked not to be identified said the rally wasn’t all about a pay increase.
‘‘I go home feeling pretty upset because you don’t feel like a nurse at all if you can’t give your patients help,’’ she said.
The Lower Hutt rally was one of many around the country over the past few weeks. About 100 nurses gathered outside Wellington Hospital last Friday.
Nurses have also rallied in Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch and Whangarei.