Guernsey Press

'It's been going on for too long, I am ashamed of the States of Guernsey today'

NURSES deserve every penny they earn and more, while Policy & Resources should be ashamed of themselves, one nurse pay supporter on the march said.

Published
Bagpipe players Mary Murray and Kevin McLagan led the march.

Despite an 11.30am start, numbers were gathering at Salerie Corner before 11am on Saturday to march for nurses' salaries to be increased.

As the march began, with cars hooting their support as they drove past, walkers were led by bagpipe players Mary Murray and Kevin McLagan.

'I'm originally from Ireland but I moved here five years ago. It's about the disparity, and equal pay for the long hours that we do,' said Ms Murray.

'So many people that aren't nurses are here.'

Bagpipe players Mary Murray and Kevin McLagan led the march.

She said it was everything to see so many people out to support nurses.As well as walkers, about 45 motorbikes arrived at Salerie Corner wearing Royal College of Nursing vests, having journeyed around the island from Vazon.

'I approached the leader of the GBG nurses group and thought we could all come together,' said biker Nemer Kharroubi.

'It's been quite a good turnout and a very successful ride. I hope this will add to the voice of the nurses.

Motorcyclists came from a number of island clubs. Some were nurses, some knew nurses and some simply supported the cause.

'I would like to thank all the people who were part of the ride and for the patience of the drivers on the road,' said Mr Kharroubi.

Armed forces veteran Gordon Young, 84, was ready to walk.

'I've been in and out of hospital lately, the nurses in Guernsey, and the ones who have come from abroad, are absolutely marvellous.

'They deserve every penny they earn and more.'

'It's disgusting, P&R should be ashamed of themselves. It's been going on for too long, I am ashamed of the States of Guernsey today,' he said.

Gary Whitwam, Lucy Whitwam (6) and Cathy Whitwam joined the marchers.

Dr Chris Logan, who has worked in medical science for the past 30 years, felt the same.

'P&R need to know what impact it is to people in Guernsey. I have a chronic condition that means I've been in and out of the Princess Elizabeth Hospital 12 times in the last six years.'

Dr Logan said over this time he had met a local nurse, brought up and trained in Guernsey, who was now leaving the island because she could not afford to stay.

'I wouldn't still be here if it wasn't for the skill and dedication.

'P&R need to show some leadership, stop procrastinating and pay nurses, who are all perfectly qualified, the salary they have always deserved.'

Jenny Murphy's mum and sister have both been in the nursing profession and she marched with her family.

'The nurses deserve a lot better pay, it's such a valuable job.

'They're there for people in need of care round the clock, they do a lot of things other people wouldn't want to do.'

Amelia Clarke, 9, has also seen first-hand the work of nurses, her mum and grandmother are both in the profession.

She said she was excited to march.

'It's to support nurses to get more money because they save people's lives and help poorly people.'

As the march began, it took over two-and-a-half minutes for the entire procession to pass through the exit of Salerie Corner and onto the road.

It took more than two-and-a-half minutes for the march to pass by.