Contingency planning for strike action advanced

5 April 2007

Contingency planning for strike action well advanced

Contingency planning at Hawke’s Bay District Health Board (HBDHB) is well underway to ensure minimum risk to patients and maintenance of urgent and acute care during the 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 nationwide strike will affect most DHBs and the New Zealand Blood Service and is planned to start at 8.00am Wednesday 11 April and run to 8.00am Friday 13 April.

Says HBDHB’s chief operating officer, Warrick Frater “This action will significantly affect the laboratory services we can provide. In the interest of patient safety we are implementing our contingency plans to scale back the number of patients in the hospital prior to and during the planned strike period.”

HBDHB’s contingency planning includes:

* People are asked to consult their GP first before coming to the hospital, unless the situation is an emergency.

* Any elective surgery or outpatient clinics visits and procedures which require laboratory tests at the hospital will be postponed.

* People who are uncertain if their surgery or clinic visit will be proceeding next week should ring 0800 450 113.

Says Mr Frater, “As we implement our planned contingency programme our focus is on making sure our patients are safe and well cared for during the period of the strike “

ENDS

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