Yesterday, July 12th 30,000 nurses went on strike for 24 hours from 7am. It was quiet in most hospitals as non-urgent surgery was cancelled. Appointments to see specialists were also cancelled. A number of nurses volunteered to work while their colleagues marched in the streets, carrying signs.
Nurses say it’s not just more pay that is needed but also more staff so that they can do a professional job of caring for patients. They are also concerned that if better pay and more staff do not happen, fewer people will decide to train as nurses in the future.
Although the strike is over now, the nurses’ union warned that there could be more strikes if there are no changes. Meanwhile, the Minister for Health, David Clark, says there is no more money available right now.