Simple Messages are often the most powerful

I've had a lot to do with the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) and their members, particularly in my time as CEO of Mercy Hospital and President of the NZ Private Hospitals Association. I also employed a number of experienced enrolled nurses in the ward and theatre area and know how valuable they are as part of the nursing team.

Nevertheless the relationship between NZNO and the National Party has been cool at best, so I expected he NZNO Enrolled Nurses conference in Dunedin yesterday where Health Minister Tony Ryall was the opening speaker to be a perfunctory affair. We have been very supportive of expanding enrolled nurses roles after years of being marginalised so Tony's attendance was never going to be hostile, but we were amazed at the warmth of the reception. Spontaneous applause when we arrived and a virtual standing ovation when we left. Tony was empathetic throughout and answered some tough questions honestly and directly.

Why the warm reception? Because they were treated with respect. Because we said to enrolled nurses "you are valued, you play an important role in patient care." It's a simple message and one I don't think they had heard for a while. There is a lesson in that.

When we talk about bringing clinicians back into the decision-making loop, we don't just mean doctors. Nursing staff and health professional involvement is vital if we are to push resources to the front line and get more value from our investment in public health. The Minister understands this and I saw first hand yesterday tangible evidence that so too do the enrolled nurses.