Nurses are under the spotlight again.
Own it too I SEE Mrs Kuriger believes she and National would just magic up nurses from nowhere in an instant. Maybe she should take some time and reflect on why we have a shortage in the first place. National when last in government, of which she was a member, wound the health system down while allowing uncontrolled population growth. The result was poorly paid low numbers of health workers. One only has to see the state of our once thriving local hospital which is now no more than a medical centre. I had the misfortune to break my ankle and upon arrival had an xray – but there was no one skilled on staff to apply the backstrap plaster required before I could go to Waikato for surgery. In the past, surgeries were performed there daily and was the go-to hospital in the region from Te Awamutu south. To imply that we could just magic up nurses offshore is a dream. We have nurses leaving for better money, so how does she and her party expect that to change? They have a history of poor pay levels when in government so if they were elected at the next election, I cannot see the rates for nurses improving. This government has given the nurses several pay increases in the five years in office thankfully which has helped retain staff with current funding being increased as we speak. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, take time to reflect on the time you were in office and the damage your team of Coleman and Ryall did to the New Zealand health system and our local hospital which once was a thriving hub for treatment for all, and a training ground for thousands of nurses and doctors over many years before you ruined it. G Walker Piopio
Thank you WE wish to thank the Ōtorohanga Lions and Sue Sands for their help in aiding a senior couple shift house. The time and effort they put into this was exceptional and we are very grateful for it. M and S Elliott Ōtorohanga
Aroha and thanks FROM myself and everyone else lucky enough to attend the Kaumatua Pamper evening last week, a huge thank you and aroha to the organisers and their whanau for thoroughly spoiling us. So, to MJ, Sharon, Tallea, Vanessa and Tia, you are so appreciated especially as you all had such a busy week. Congratulations for a mammoth job completed to perfection. The pamperers, musician Barry and helpers, you were all amazing. Arohanui Name withheld by request.
