Reference is made to the article “MUMN always places the patient first” (TMID, 17 January) by Rudolph Cini.

In the article mentioned Mr Cini expected that I clarify some of the issues that I have raised in my previous article (TMID, 3 January). I shall put forward some explanations and hope that some misconceptions about what I said will be made clearer.

The fact the I have attempted to discuss the issue of Family Health Nurses and raise some questions about it have led Mr Cini to believe that I am against the involvement of nurses in the delivery of community care. This is a gross misinterpretation of my commitment towards the development of primary health care nursing.

I will have the opportunity to explain all this in a national two-day conference that the Directorate Nursing Services is going to organise in March. This conference is part of a consultative process that has been going for these last three years in relation to primary health care nursing and other areas of nursing practice. Each and every nurse will have the opportunity to share his or her views with regard to any area in nursing.

Mr Cini referred to the “serious shortage” of nurses in 2005 and he mentioned the Labour government in 1998. I have never referred to any form of government whatsoever and the reason I mentioned 1998 was because the directorate has reliable data for that particular year. There are definitely no political innuendos about that date and I am responsible enough not to be dragged into such a controversy.

I would like to remind Mr Cini that during 1998 there were two different political administrations.

In his article, Mr Cini states that “Of course, there was also a shortage of nurses…” I am still puzzled why in 2005, with a 20 per cent increase over 1998 there was a “serious shortage” and in 1998 there was just a shortage.

I can confirm that the relationship between MUMN and the Director

Nursing Services has always been good and I hope that it remains as such. In this article, I have taken up Mr Cini’s invitation to clarify some matters to reiterate my commitment to healthy relations with MUMN.

The fact that one argues and discusses is a sign of maturity and I invite MUMN, when needs be, to continue any discussions. This has always been my hallmark of doing things. I always welcome ideas in relation to improving the health status of the public.

I am aware that sometimes it is very difficult to balance the needs of patients, union members or the profession as there may be a source of conflict but I think that with a sense of leadership most of these issues can be resolved to achieve a win-win situation.

Jesmond Sharples is Director Nursing Services