Anaesthetic technician strike action planned

Anaesthetic technician strike action planned at Hawke's Bay Hospital

Hawke’s Bay Hospital’s anaesthetic technicians, who are members of the Association of Professionals and Executive Employee Inc (APEX), have voted to strike for 48 hours from 7am Monday 17 December until 7am Wednesday 19 December 2018.

As a result of the strike action, 38 elective surgeries that required a general anaesthetic, planned for the days of the strike, would be put on standby and postponed if necessary. If the strike action goes ahead only life preserving operations will proceed.

Anaesthetic technicians are an integral part of operating theatre teams and any operation, requiring a general anaesthetic, must have a technician present.

Patients directly affected have been contacted.

Chief Medical and Dental Officer Dr John Gommans said he apologised to patients whose operations were affected.

Patients who had surgery planned during the strike period and were unsure of their situation could call Hawke’s Bay Hospital on (06) 878 8109 for more information.

ENDS

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