FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018
District Health Boards say they are returning to normal services following the 24-hour strike by NZNO nurses, midwives
and healthcare assistants that ended at 7:00 this morning.
DHB spokesperson Helen Mason says there has been a tremendous effort by many people and contingency arrangements worked
as planned.
“Four DHBs had a challenging time because of high demand, but were able to manage thanks to the planning and the
arrangements that were put in place.
“One DHB had much higher than expected demand, and required additional Life Preserving Services and increased medical
staffing. This was managed by the systems in place although the DHB continues to have high demand.
“Most DHBs had managed to reduce demand by deferring electives, closing outpatient services, and reducing services which
freed up staff to provide care and ensure patient safety.
“This has been an extraordinary result in the circumstances and a tribute to extensive planning and the hard work of
many people including NZNO members who worked to provide essential and urgent services.
Ms Mason says the agreed Life Preserving Services plans worked as expected. She says some DHBs were quieter than normal,
and had enough staff available so they could reduce Life Preserving Services requirements.
“Overall it has been a very challenging time and people demonstrated exceptional teamwork and camaraderie. I would like
to say a huge thank you to them all for keeping our patients and our staff safe.”
Ms Mason says DHBs will now begin to focus on the next steps with the NZNO to find a way to settle the employment
contract negotiations.
“We have a recommended way forward from a senior member of the Employment Relations Authority which DHBs will carefully
consider over coming days and look at options for next steps in the coming days."
In the meantime, it will take a day or so for hospitals to return to normal and people should approach healthcare in the
same way. If the matter is urgent, dial 111 or visit the emergency department. For non-urgent matters people should do
what they normally do and visit their GP or pharmacy, and free medical advice is available 24/7 through Healthline
(phone 0800 611 116).
ENDS