Conditions for nurses must improve – but strikes will be regrettable

SIR – As a nurse who qualified in the 1960s, I feel saddened that members of this dedicated profession feel the need to strike (report, November 10).

I, personally, could never have taken such action – but the period in which I nursed was not the same.

One important difference was that we were paid while we trained on the job, and attended lectures during time off. We were thrown in at the deep end, but by the end of year one we had gained practical experience and were valued members of the nursing team.

Nowadays nurses have to obtain a degree at their own expense. No wonder they expect to be paid more.

I have written to the Nursing and Midwifery Council several times urging a return to the old-fashioned way of nursing, but all I get back is a letter saying that mine will be referred to the right department.

Nancy Bowring

Bodiam, East Sussex

SIR – Having spent my whole working life as a registered nurse, I am appalled by the plans for strike action. Public resources are finite, the economy is on the brink and the independent pay review body recommendations were always fair. Our pay rises incrementally, and our terms for pensions and holidays are better than those of the private sector.

Yes, the past two years have been tough, but this is also the most rewarding career in terms of fulfilment, patient appreciation, respect and gratitude. Industrial action could destroy the bond with patients. Margaret Earle

Lytchett Matravers, Dorset

SIR – Would the Royal College of Nursing be so kind as to inform us how its action is not going to affect emergencies?

Charles Penfold

Ulverston, Cumbria

SIR – Successive governments have failed to ensure that nurses’ wages have kept pace with other forms of employment. This is no doubt due to their union’s non-militant activity in the past, and it is not surprising that they are now being forced to take desperate measures.

Most nurses spend at least three years at university followed by intensive training in hospital. Yet compare their pay with that of train drivers, who, after two years’ training, can earn £60,000 a year without the stresses and strains involved in caring for the sick. Is this really fair? Stanley Brewer

Ottery St Mary, Devon

SIR – I read that there are “more than 400 NHS officials on six figures” (report, November 9).

In June this year General Sir Gordon Messenger’s review of the leadership of the health service was published. Sir Gordon made constructive proposals that would address excessive management costs. Will the Prime Minister simply file the review away or actually implement its proposals? Oliver Parsons

Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire