Media Update on the second day of the RMOs’ strike in Canterbury.
Canterbury District Health Board hospitals have been busy but are coping on the second day of the Resident Medical
Officers’ (Junior Doctors) strike, according to CDHB Contingency Coordinator Judith Sugden.
“There have been no major incidents at CDHB sites today. Staff have been working hard to minimise disruption for
patients that need to be in hospital and to maintain a high standard of care,” she said.
“People also seem to have been heeding messages to go to their General Practice for non-urgent conditions rather than
coming into the Emergency Department.”
The strike will continue until 7am tomorrow.
Services have been reduced at Christchurch Hospital, Burwood Hospital and Christchurch Women’s Hospital for the strike
period.
People should not hesitate to go to Christchurch Hospital’s Emergency Department for urgent hospital care but anyone
presenting at the ED with a non-urgent illness or injury may be asked to go to their General Practice or an After Hours
Service.
Women in labour should go to Christchurch Women’s Hospital or Ashburton Hospital until the strike ends. Canterbury’s
birthing units are providing post natal care only during the strike.
The Canterbury District Health Board thanks the public for their patience and co-operation during this difficult time.
ENDS