Galway Advertiser 2001/2001_02_15/GA_15022001_E1_012.pdf 

Extracted text

Courses for nurses initiative welcomed
LOOSE APPLES
BRAEBURH VARIETY fry Mary O'Connor

N e w leave a l l o w s for bonding -- Cox
THE DECISION to extend m a t e r n i t y leave - which comes into operation earl; next month - will give new mothers more time to bond with their babies. That's the view of Senator Margaret Cox who said maternity and adoptive leave had not changed since 1981 This new extension means mothers can avail of up to 26 weeks leave on the birth of a baby and up to 22 weeks leave on the adoption of one. The increased paid maternity and adoptive leave entitlements will apply to women who begin leave four or more weeks on or after March 8 while the increased unpaid maternity and adoption leave will apply to women who begin this additional leave on or after the same date. The early time spent between mother and child is very important, says Cox. "The original date for the implementation of the new leave was set for April 2 but the minister signing it into law in early February gives more people a chance to avail of this leave."

T H E LAUNCH of a n u m b e r of i n i t i a t i v e s aimed at supporting nurses who undertake further education was described recently as long overdue recognition for the profession. The initiatives, announced by Health Minister Micheal Martin, mean that nurses undertaking certain courses will have their course fees funded or refunded. Nurses or midwives undertaking some specialist courses will have their fees paid and will receive full pay while studying. In return, staff must give a commitment to continue working within the publichealth service in that specialist area for one year after completing the course. Recognised sick children's nursing training hospitals will refund course fees for students studying for a post-registration higher diploma in sick children nursing. Nurses and midwives undertaking backto-nursing courses will also have their fees paid and will be given a salary in return for a commitment to rejoin the public health service when their course is finished. Commenting on the minister's announcement, Councillor Michael Mullins (B/Sloc) said he was surprised that no significant funding had been available before this to enable the nursing profession to pursue further education. "This recognition is long overdue," he said. Dr Patrick Costello, a city based dentist, said two nurses currently working in the UK had asked him about job opportunities in Galway. He got the impression all that was available here were short-term contracts and he wondered if this were the case.

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