Media Watch

Nurses' morale has hit rock bottom, the Sunday Mirror told its readers ahead of the Royal College of Nursing ballot for strike action over the government's proposed staged pay rise. It revealed the findings of the 'massive poll of 9,000 nurses' which claimed that '30 per cent want to quit and only 49 per cent recommend a career as a nurse'.

And The Daily Telegraph explained that nurses were 'poised to hold first ballot in row over pay deal'.

'The RCN wants the government to overturn its decision to hand out this year's pay increase for nurses in England in two stages. It is the first time in the history of the RCN that such action has been considered,' the article said.

The Daily Express claimed nurses were 'close to working to rule', saying: 'The move comes after nurses in England were denied the full 2.5 per cent pay rise given to colleagues in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for doing exactly the same work.'

The same paper told readers of a 'junket to Japan': 'Cash-strapped NHS bosses spent£84,000 on a trip to Japan - to study how Toyota increases efficiency.' It claimed they 'ignored examples of 'lean management' a few hours' drive away from their base in Newcastle upon Tyne to make the 12,000 mile round trip to the Far East last month.'

The Sunday People reported that 'health chiefs' from NHS North East had 'sparked fury' by sending doctors and executives on the trip. The Daily Mirror told readers that the strategic health authority said cash for the trip came from training funds.