0800 number for patients to check strike action

22 November 2006

0800 number for patients to check whether their surgery or hospital clinic appointment will be affected by planned strike action

Hawke’s Bay District Health Board has set up a free 0800 number so Hawke’s Bay people can check whether their outpatient appointment or elective surgery has had to be postponed due to next week’s planned strike action by members of the Medical Laboratory Workers’ Union (MLWU). MLWU members include laboratory scientists and technicians employed by District Health Boards and the New Zealand Blood Service.

The number is 0800 450 113 and will be answered during working hours, between 8.00am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday After hours people can leave a message which should include their name, planned appointment/procedure, date of same and their contact phone number.

The strike is scheduled to take place from 8:00am on Wednesday 29 November and run until 8:00am on Wednesday 6 December.

Chief operating officer, Warrick Frater, said the DHB was contacting those affected, and if patients are uncertain as to whether their booking is still going ahead or has been rescheduled they should phone 0800 450 113 to check their status.

ENDS

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