Appalling lack of sensibilities.

I am appalled by the lack of sensibilities when the co-editors of Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand decided to publish an article entitled "Migrant nurses need more support" (Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand, May 2007, p20). Although some Filipino nurses have written to Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand expressing their dismay over the publishing of the said article, the co-editors still have the audacity to defend their actions. Your reply to the complaints was that you "felt it was important to report on Shiranthi Fonseka's research in an issue with a focus on diversity, despite the smallness of the study". You are adding insult to injury by veering off topic, addressing the issue of publishing an inconclusive research study, instead of focusing on the insulting statement.

Yes, the statement "Filipinas are considered lazy" was just taken out of context from one of the respondents' answers, but the co-editors should know better that this is a racially biased statement which should not have been printed. It is insulting and provocating, plain and simple, and no amount of explanation by the co-editors or the researcher herself can repair the damage your irresponsible journalism has wrought upon Filipino nurses, and in particular the Filipino people.

NZNO is a multicultural entity, with a significant number of Filipino members. Hundreds of other Filipino registered nurses, caregivers, and support workers also work in New Zealand. We ALL deserve a printed apology from the co-editors of and the researcher, Shiranthi Fonseka. That is all I ask and I hope you come to your senses and realise that my rights, and the rights of other Filipinos have been trampled upon. Thank you very much.

Vicente Echeverria, RN, Auckland

The co-editors reply: We ore indeed sorry this one quote from one of the respondents in the small study has caused such distress to some. The statement does reflect racist attitudes and the article and the research set out to explore some of those. We do not agree that by reporting this attitude, we are perpetuating the racism.

The statement refers to discrimination and prejudice foreign nurses are sometimes subjected to. The article is about finding ways to counteract that prejudice and help people cope.

The last statement in the article about the need for further research into these matters and into the experience of migrant nurses here is an important one, as is the very title of the article. The article explores some difficult issues which can't be ignored. Only by revealing and confronting such attitudes, will change occur.

Both the researcher and the co-editors have an obligation to accurately report research respondents' comments.

Researcher Shiranthi Fonseka replies: Z am very sorry for the hurt and offence caused by the comment mentioned. This was contrary to the intent of my research.