Taranaki DHB prepares for nurses strike action
31 May 2021
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 eight hours from 11:00am on Wednesday 9 June until 7:00pm Wednesday 9 June 2021.
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 11am and 7pm Wednesday 9 June.
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.”
“We will be able to maintain only the very minimum of services during the strike. Many outpatient clinics will be closed and elective surgery postponed. 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. If people need mental health services they should contact 1737 in the first instance and where possible,” 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.
Information for the public will be made available at www.tdhb.org.nz and will be regularly updated. You can also follow Taranaki DHB on Facebook for regular updates.
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Last updated: Monday, May 31, 2021