Sir, - The current debate to whether or not it is appropriate for nurses to strike - in their pursuit of fair treatment - is ar interesting one. For some, the idea of nurses on a picket line is contrary to their image of nurse as a caring and compassionate group. Others see it as a long. term threat to the integrity of the nursing profession.
On the contrary, we view the current politicisation of nurses; i.e., politicisation in the pursuit of a sense of fair treatment and fair play as a welcome development within the nursing profession. Caring, compassion and politicisation are all comfortable bed fellows within the World Health Organisation's philosophy of primary health care, a philosophy endorsed by the Department of Health in its 1994 Health Strategy. - Yours, etc.,
Lecturers in Nursing Studies,
Department of Nursing
Studies,
University College,
Belfield, Dublin 4.