Southern District Health Board has begun postponing some elective surgeries, procedures and outpatient appointments ahead of a New Zealand Nurses Organisation strike.
“Our aim is to keep everyone safe during the strike – patients and staff alike – and that means significant changes to normal services.” Taranaki Base and Hawera Hospitals will continue to operate essential services such as emergency departments, emergency surgery and maternity care throughout the strike. Clements said the DHB is also preparing to close many of its outpatient and elective services and some services may close before 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.
Lead Advocate and NZNO industrial advisor David Wait said members were “angry and frustrated at the first DHB offer received last month”. “That would have given most members little more than 1.38 per cent, just under the rate of inflation. This is despite the incredible sacrifices they made in 2020 to keep the country safe from COVID-19.” “This strike action affects all places where the DHB provides health care or hospital care services,” McKenna said. “We have had wonderful support from willing volunteers in the past and training will be provided in advance of strike day on what will be required.” McKenna said more detail would come regarding the impact on hospital services once details had been finalised with the NZNO.