LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
[Lettersof the length of one of our leading paragraphs are often more read, and therefore more effective, than those which fill treble the space.]
THE WOMAN'S SENIOR WAR SERVICE. [TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.")
SIE,—Before the correspondence ceases on the subject of the shortage of V.A.D.'s in auxiliary hospitals, I should like to write a few lines as a V.A.D. of five years' standing, who has worked for more than three and a half years in two auxiliary hospitals, the first of fifty-six beds near my home for half-days, and the second of two hundred and forty beds as a full-time worker (living in). None of the articles or correspondence which have appeared in the Spectator has been written by V.A.D.'s: The writers look at the question from an entirely different point of view from ours. Ask any V.A.D. of two or more years' standing, and she will be able to give a dozen reasons for the shortage apart from the vexed question of what- the authorities call "financial assist- ance." During my time nursing in hospital. we have had count- less inspections, but none of the inspectors has taken any per- sonal interest in the V.A.D.'s duties or recreations. I do not wish to write in any spirit of bitterness, as I am still a working V.A.D., and hope to remain ea until the end of the war. But I feel that if the authorities at Devonshire House have a genuine desire to put an end to the shortage they should demand the causes from a number of V.A.D.'s. (I use the word "demand," as to inquire would not produce the information.) They would then, I hope, be able to "put their house in order" without the intervention of the State, as many of the old members of the Rritish Red Cross Society and St. John Ambulance Brigade would be extremely sorry if the "Woman's Senior War Service" did
sot retain its present character.—I am, Sir, 4w., A V.A.D.
Previous page
