Frightened and distressed nurses? Nurses For Freedom NZ calls for immediate action

Nurses for Freedom NZ (NFFNZ) were devastated to read the Stuff.co.nz account of an unnamed Christchurch Nurse, the organisation said in a press release.

The article appeared on October 8, 2022 – Christchurch ED calls in backup nurses as shortage leaves department under ‘significant pressure.

The situation, according to media reports, is not unique and is being repeated in hospitals throughout New Zealand, say NFFNZ.

‘This clearly heartbroken nurse describes it as ”soul-destroying being unable to give the highest standard of care to people due to situations outside of their control but feeling responsible nonetheless.”‘

‘NFFNZ agrees with the nurse’s sentiment that the accountability is squarely with Te Whatu Ora to address this health crisis and look after the wellbeing and health and safety of their current staff whilst at the same time ensuring the public receive the standard of care one would expect in a country such as New Zealand in 2022.

‘Recently created Te Whatu Ora have a small window of opportunity to ensure our hospitals are fit for purpose” says Deborah Cunliffe, NFFNZ spokesperson, “this includes bringing back the fifteen hundred plus public health workers terminated, stood down or resigned for their personal views on the covid-19 vaccine. It would also include allowing hundreds of Lead Maternity Care midwives and other non-governmental clinicians back to work without prejudice” says Cunliffe.

“This window of opportunity will close very soon however, as hundreds of experienced mandated staff are being drafted to look after vulnerable populations in aged care and private hospitals. “The reason we can look after vulnerable populations in one setting but not another is unclear” says Cunliffe.

While government vaccine mandates were dropped on 26th September, Te Whatu Ora have chosen to keep them in play while a national vaccination policy is developed. New Zealanders may think public health professionals are back at work but many hospitals including Wairarapa and Wellington regions continue to refuse applications from those not double vaccinated and boosted. Conversely, other hospitals such as Waikato are considering taking some unvaccinated staff back on a temporary basis and until the new policy is developed. “Covid is clearly much smarter than we thought if it now is able to read postcodes” says Cunliffe

“Nurses for Freedom NZ represents over one thousand members and would like to encourage Te Whatu Ora to direct its energies into supporting the current public healthcare crisis by inviting our members back to work. The Covid-19 vaccine does not prevent transmission so what is the justification for keeping nurses from helping a system in crisis?