Countdown on to lab workers’ strike action

10 April 2007

Countdown on to lab workers’ strike action

With less than 24 hours until the start of a two day strike by laboratory workers, Hawke’s Bay District Health Board’s chief operating officer, Warrick Frater, is reminding the public to see their GP first unless it’s an emergency.

The strike gets underway at 8 am tomorrow morning, and will finish at 8 am on Friday morning. As part of the DHB’s contingency planning any elective surgery or outpatient clinic visits requiring laboratory tests have been postponed. Those people affected have been contacted by the DHB, however, if anyone is uncertain whether their surgery of clinic visit has been postponed they should ring 0800 450 113.

Mr Frater reminded the public to save the emergency department for emergencies. “It would be helpful if people could contact their GP or after-hours medical centre in the first instance unless it’s an emergency.”

“We apologise for any inconvenience or delays people may encounter however our contingency planning is firmly focused on ensuring our patients are safe and well cared for throughout the period of the strike.”

ENDS

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