Planning in place for NZNO strike

Planning in place for New Zealand Nurses Organisation strike

Official notice has been received that nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants who are members of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) will undertake strike action in July.

The strike action will be in the form of a complete withdrawal of labour, from all DHBs around the country, for 24 hours from 7am on 5 July. Notice for a second 24-hour strike from 7am on 12 July is expected next week.

“Patient safety and wellbeing remains our highest priority and focus during this time,” said Hospital & Healthcare Services general manager Chris Lowry.

“However – like all DHBs – we will experience staffing gaps and will need to prioritise essential and acute services over others. We will also be assessing our inpatients to see whether it is clinically appropriate to discharge them. If not, they will remain in hospital.”

Non-essential services – including outpatient appointments, and elective and non-urgent surgery – will be deferred. Patients can expect to hear from CCDHB by 27 June about whether they are affected.

“The Emergency Department (ED) at Wellington Regional Hospital will remain open during the strike, and people can rest assured that anyone who requires urgent and life-saving care will receive it.”

People are, however, asked to remember that ED is for emergencies only. People with non-urgent injuries or illnesses should see their GP or after-hours service in the first instance.

Wellington Regional Hospital’s delivery suite and maternity ward will remain open.

“If you are booked for birth at Kenepuru Community Hospital or the Kapiti Health Centre, or are in labour on a strike day, contact your midwife early as you will need to travel to Wellington.

“Your lead maternity carer has been informed of what services are available, and we also have a number of midwives who are not NZNO members and will be working during the strike action.”

The CCDHB website has information about how to find a GP or an after-hours service.
Patients uncertain about their appointments or procedures should wait to be contacted, or call (04) 806 0992 from 8am-8pm or 0508 4 CCDHB (0508 4 22342) after hours.
Anyone unsure about whether they need ED care should contact their GP or call Healthline (0800 611 116) for free advice from a registered nurse.

Click here for more information.

For our latest news, visit www.ccdhb.org.nz or www.facebook.com/CCDHB

© Scoop Media