Fijian nurses face major difficulties

Media Release

November 8, 2010

Fijian nurses face major difficulties

The difficulties facing nurses in Fiji were the focus of a presentation by the general secretary of the Fiji Nursing Association, Kuini Lutua, at the South Pacific Nurses’ Forum in Auckland today.

Lutua, who is in her third term as general secretary, said health cuts in Fiji had created chaos. She spoke of the loss of nurses from Fiji, with the government doing nothing to halt the exodus, of the very unpopular law changes regarding the retirement age for nurses, the lack of job security and the fact nurses cannot work any overtime.

“We can’t appeal against any government decisions but we are trying to create an awareness among our members that their rights are being eroded,” she told the 300 delegates from 12 Pacific nations attending the 15th biennial forum.

Her presentation received a standing ovation, with delegates saluting her courage in speaking of the situation in Fiji.

President of the International Council of Nurses, which represents more than 13 million nurses worldwide, Rosemary Bryant told the forum that three of the greatest health challenges internationally were the economic crisis, chronic diseases and universal access to high-quality primary health care.

“The problems are huge but nurses are the answer. The World Bank has identified nurses and midwives as the most cost effective resource for delivering high quality health care in both new and established economies,” Bryant said.

New Zealand’s new chief nurse Jane O’Malley welcomed the forum delegates.

The forum continues on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

ENDS

New Zealand Nurses Organisation
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is the leading professional body of nurses and nursing union in Aotearoa New Zealand, representing over 45 000 nurses and health workers. Te Runanga o Aotearoa is the arm through which our Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership is articulated. Our members include nurses, midwives, students, kaimahi hauora, health care workers and allied health professionals.
The NZNO vision is “Freed to care, Proud to nurse”. Our members enhance the health and well-being of all people of Aotearoa New Zealand and are united in their professional and industrial aspirations

© Scoop Media