Media release 18 April 2018

Auckland nursing teams to rally at hospital

NZNO Auckland members are gathering outside the Auckland Hospital this Thursday at 1.30pm to add their voice to the nations’ DHB nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants.

Members are rallying to bring to the attention of the public their dissatisfaction about the government’s under investment into quality patient care, nurses’ and midwives’ pay and safe staffing. There are many more rallies happening across New Zealand over the coming week: (www.healthneedsnursing.nz)

NZNO local member Olivia Hammond says:

“Nursing is a profession that demands expertise and responsibility and this value was not reflected in the rejected pay offer,” she said.

“Because of ongoing government underfunding, nurses are being asked to do more with less, for a more complex patient population.

“Nurses are rallying and advocating for their patients by campaigning for safe staffing so that they can continue to improve and save lives without having to work excessive unsafe hours and overtime.

“It’s shocking that we have to campaign in this way to be heard. We have been part of the multi-professional team keeping the health service going. We are asking for public support to ensure a safe environment for both patients, nurses and midwives,” Ms Hammond said.

NZNO campaign activities are planned throughout New Zealand to show the government that New Zealanders need it to prioritise rebuilding a quality public health system by investing in nursing, the largest health workforce.
ENDS

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