Some hospital midwives who are members of the Midwifery Employee Representation and Advisory Service union (MERAS) are striking on Wednesday 11 August 2021 between 11am and 7pm.
The Strike does not affect Lead Maternity Carers (LMCs).
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Chris McKenna said women preparing for childbirth should not delay seeking care and should come to the hospital as normal.
“If you go into labour during the strike, follow your normal birth plan and let your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) know as you will have already planned,” she said.
“If your LMC is the DHB community team, please call (06) 878-8109 and dial extension 6096 for Hastings or (06) 838-9701 for Wairoa.
“If you can’t get in touch with your LMC phone 0800-767-127.”
Ms McKenna said the safety and wellbeing of mothers and babies were the DHB’s top priority. A Life Preserving Service agreement had been agreed with the union and some services had been deferred such as elective caesarean sections and non-urgent antenatal or day assessment appointments.
“Only emergency caesarean sections will go ahead with planned elective caesarean sections deferred to a different day. Some non-urgent antenatal or day assessment appointments have also been rescheduled,” she said.
“The main advice for pregnant women and whānau is that if you need to come to hospital, it is safe to do so and you will receive the care you need.”
Patients directly affected by the strike have been contacted by the DHB to reschedule their appointments.
-ENDS-
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