NZ Nurses’ Donation On Its Way To Niue

April 2, 2004

NZ Nurses’ Donation On Its Way To Assist Nurses In Niue

A much needed piece of sterilising equipment will leave New Zealand tomorrow bound for Niue said New Zealand Nurses Organisation Niue Relief Fund coordinator Eileen Brown today.

The brand new $3000 Autoclave, purchased with NZNO Relief Fund money will be transported by Bill Motufoou, Niue MP in charge of Cyclone Heta Recovery Committee.

“After the cyclone NZNO contacted with Niue Island nurses who were working out of a makeshift hospital and identified urgent equipment needs,” said Eileen Brown.

Eileen Brown said an autoclave was a basic piece of equipment for the sterilisation of material by steam under pressure.

NZNO worked with the medical supplier EBOS to ensure that the Autoclave was appropriate for the conditions. EBOS provided the autoclave at a discounted price.

Eileen Brown said NZNO member and experienced emergency nurse, Joy Millar, planned to go to Niue in June and would inform NZNO of needs of local nurses.

“Since the cyclone NZNO has been talking to nurses in Niue about their urgent needs and we know that the autoclave is desperately needed,” said Eileen Brown.

“Nurses here wanted to show support for their Niue counterparts. They were also shocked at the death of Niuean nurse, Cathy Alec during the cyclone.”

The NZNO Relief fund stands at $18,000 and Eileen Brown said the fund had also been supported by International Nursing organisations.

“We want to support any plan to recognise the nursing work of Cathy Alec and will work with our Niue counterparts to ensure the money goes where it is most needed,” she said.

ENDS

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