Taranaki DHB to reduce services during nursing strike

22 June 2018

Taranaki DHB has begun implementing contingency plans to ensure the safety of staff and patients, following the notice to strike by Nursing, Midwifery, and Healthcare Assistant NZNO members for 24 hours from 07:00am on 5 July until 7am Friday 6 July 2018.

Taranaki DHB Chief Executive, Rosemary Clements said, “Taranaki DHB is working closely with the NZNO to ensure emergency and essential services will be available.”

“Our aim is to keep everyone safe during the strike – patients and staff alike – and that means significant changes to normal services,” explained Mrs Clements.

Taranaki Base and Hawera Hospitals will continue to operate essential services such as emergency departments, emergency surgery and maternity care throughout the strike between 7am Thursday 5 July and 7am Friday 6 July.

Mrs Clements said the DHB is also preparing to close many of its outpatient and elective services and some services may close before the date of the strike. “This is to ensure the number of patients in hospital is as low as possible, so that care can be provided safely and we will be contacting patients directly if their appointments need to be rescheduled.”

“Emergency and essential services will still be available during the strike and people should call 111 in an emergency.”

“Anyone with a non-urgent health issue can call Healthline (0800 611 116) or contact their GP, visit a pharmacy or seek advice from Medicross or Phoenix Urgent Doctors,” urged Mrs Clements.

“Taranaki DHB has a deep respect for our nurses, healthcare assistants and midwives. They are a highly valued part of our workforce, committed to caring for our patients. We respect their right to take industrial action and we would like to thank the public for their patience at this challenging time,” said Mrs Clements.

ENDS

For more information please call: Cressida Gates-Thompson, Communications Manager, 027 703 6177

 

Last updated: Friday, June 22, 2018