What you need to know about the nurses strike
NZNO nurses and healthcare assistants at Hauora Tairawhiti are striking for 8 hours from 11am to 7pm on Wednesday 9 June 2021.
We have had to reschedule some of our non-urgent patient appointments and most of our elective surgery. We understand this will be an inconvenience to people and we apologise for this.
We respect the right of the NZNO members to take industrial action and have been planning to keep everyone safe during the strike – patients and staff alike.
Nationally DHBs are also doing everything we can to settle the agreement and find a way to avoid the strikes and find a way to settle these negotiations.
A strike of this nature may impact our ability to carry out our normal services at our hospitals.
What is happening?
We have stopped many services on Wednesday 9 June due to the impact of the strike.
Gisborne Hospital will continue to operate essential services such as the Emergency Departments, emergency surgery, ICU, maternity care and some wards throughout the strike. Patient safety remains our top priority for patients and staff alike.
We will be able to maintain only the very minimum of services during the strike and many operations will be deferred and outpatient clinics will be closed.
Patients affected have been contacted directly to advise of appointments needing to be rescheduled.
What if I have a planned surgery or an appointment during the strike?
You will have been contacted directly to advise you of any changes to your scheduled surgery or appointment. Unless we have contacted you directly to let you know your appointment is being rescheduled - we ask that you come to your scheduled appointment on time. If you are unsure call 06 869 0500.
We understand this will be an inconvenience and we apologise for this.
What should I do if I have a non-urgent health issue?
We will only have enough staff to manage the most serious emergency cases, so we advise you not to come to the hospital emergency department unless you or your family member is acutely unwell.
It’s important if you or your family member have non-urgent health issues that you call Healthline (0800 611 116), visit a pharmacy, or contact your GP Practice.
Remember GP visits for under 13s are free.
In an emergency you should dial 111 for an ambulance.
What will happen to people who turn up to ED with a non-urgent health issue?
If you turn up to ED and are not acutely unwell you will be redirected back to your GP.
What if you or a family member is in the hospital during the strike?
We are asking family members to assist with your relatives or your friend in hospital with their personal cares. This may include washing, dressing, helping them go to the toilet and assisting them with hospital food.