Nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants (HCAs) who belong to the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) union are planning to strike on Tuesday 3 December, from 11am to 7pm.
Our hospitals and healthcare services will continue to provide acute and emergency care throughout the strike with the help of other clinical staff.
Anyone staying in hospital during this time will still receive the care and support they need.
Please help by keeping our emergency departments for emergencies only.
Do not delay seeking help if you or someone else is in a serious or life-threatening condition.
We will continue to provide all our emergency services. If you have a medical emergency, or a sudden decline of your health, do not delay seeking help. Call 111 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.
Unfortunately, some appointments will need to be rescheduled. If you have an appointment booked for Tuesday 3 December and have not been contacted directly to have your appointment rescheduled, please come to your appointment as normal.
Our nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants (HCAs) are a highly valued part of our workforce and are committed to caring for our patients. We respect their right to take industrial action and know the decision to strike is a very difficult one.
Services in Hawke's Bay
Information for families/whānau:
- Emergency and essential services will be available.
- The Emergency Department is for emergencies ONLY. If you come to hospital and your condition is not life threatening or an emergency you will be redirected to Healthline or your GP.
- Patients who are clinically assessed as safe to discharge will be, if not they will remain in hospital.
- Hospital visiting hours remain the same from 1pm to 8pm.
- Family and whānau of inpatients can also choose to stay on wards during the strike period and are advised to speak to clinical nurse managers or shift coordinators.
- Patients who are receiving treatment or have appointments at Hawke’s Bay Hospital, Hastings, will be contacted directly if they are affected by the strike action. Patients uncertain about their appointments can phone 0800 248 794.
Services at Hawke’s Bay Hospital
- Most outpatient clinics will be closed from 11am.
- Patients will be advised if their appointment is postponed.
- Some clinics will remain open where it is safe to do so.
- Only emergency District Nursing services will be provided.
- New District Nursing referrals (received, 30 Nov, 1 and 2 Dec) will not be visited until after the strike.
- Oncology and Palliative Care services closed from 11am.
- Intensive Day Programme closed from 11am.
Maternity Services
- Maternity services for women in labour, and those requiring urgent assessment and inpatient care will continue.
- Antenatal clinics continue as planned.
- This strike does not affect Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) midwives.
- Emergency caesarean sections and inductions of labour will go ahead if required.
- Care that can safely be delayed until after the strike will be delayed.
- Mothers and babies who are well and safe will be asked to discharge earlier than anticipated, with ongoing support available from a LMC midwife.
- There will be fewer midwives/nurses than normal on our maternity wards during the strike period. Those on duty will be prioritising urgent care needs, medications and medical observations.
- We ask your nominated support person to help assist and support you during this period for non-urgent clinical needs. However, if your have any concerns about your baby, or if your baby is having trouble feeding, please make this known.
- If you have any questions please ask one of our staff. If they are not able to help you they will contact the Clinical Midwife Coordinator or Clinical Midwife Manager who will be able to answer your questions.
Napier Health Services
- Napier outpatient services reduced or closed.
- District Nursing services closed from 11am.
- City Medical open, including the overnight service.
- Pharmacy open.
- Allied Health clinics open.
- Radiology operating as usual.
- Community dental services will be open.
- Emergency Mental Health services phone 0800 112 334.
Wairoa
- District nursing services closed from 11am.
- Outpatient services are reduced.
- Queen St Practice open as normal.
- Public Health Nursing service open.
- Midwifery services open.
- Emergency Department, acute ward service will be operating essential life preserving services only.
- Radiology and laboratory services will be operating as usual.
- Emergency Mental Health - phone 0800 112 334.
Central Hawke’s Bay
- Acute ward service will be operating essential life preserving services only.
- District nursing services will be closed from 11am.
- Outpatient services are reduced.
- General Practice open as normal.
- Public Health Nursing service open.
- Radiology and laboratory services will be operating as usual.
- Emergency Mental Health services phone 0800 112 334.
Contact Healthline 0800 611 116 for free health advice by a Registered Nurse 24/7.
For more information
Health NZ Hawke’s Bay patient enquiry free phone 0800 248 794
www.facebook .com/HawkesBayDHB | www.ourhealthhb.nz
We apologise for the inconvenience or delays. Our first concern is to make sure patients are safe and well cared for.
FAQs
Which services will continue to operate during the strike?
Our hospitals and healthcare services will remain open throughout the strike with the help of other clinical staff. Anyone staying in hospital during this time will still receive the care and support they need.
We will continue to provide all our emergency services. If you have a medical emergency, or sudden decline of your health, do not delay seeking help. Call 111 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.
If you have an appointment booked for Tuesday 3 December and you do not hear from us directly to have it rescheduled, please come to your appointment as normal.
Which services will be reduced during the strike?
On Tuesday 3 December we will reduce some inpatient and outpatient appointments, surgery, and treatments that can be safely deferred.
We are directly contacting any patients whose appointments may need to be rescheduled. We thank you for your understanding and patience if your appointment has been rescheduled.
If we have not contacted you directly to reschedule your appointment, please come to your appointment as normal.
Who will provide care during the strike?
Our hospital and healthcare services will continue to operate with the help of other clinical staff.
All hospitals have contingency plans in place to ensure that patients will receive safe and appropriate care during the strike. This includes maternity care, intensive care, emergency department care, and ambulance services.
How can I help support a friend or whānau during the strike?
Friends and family members can play an important role during the strike. Consider staggering visits to your loved one so they have companionship throughout the day. If you have a friend or family member in hospital on the day of the strike, talk to the charge nurse about what to expect and how you can help.
What should I do if I have an appointment on the day of the strike?
You should still come to your scheduled appointment unless you have been contacted directly by one of our hospital team to reschedule your appointment.
What if I need medical attention during the strike?
- If you have a medical emergency, or sudden decline of your health, call 111 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately. Do not delay seeking help if you or someone else is in a serious or life-threatening condition.
- For non-urgent medical advice or assistance, call Healthline for free anytime, day or night, on 0800 611 116. You can also visit www.healthline.govt.nz for more information.
- For minor illnesses, talk to your pharmacist or make an appointment with your GP.
- After-hours clinics are operating.
How will the strike affect maternity services?
We will continue to provide maternity care during the strike. Talk to your Lead Maternity Carer if you have questions or concerns.
Does the strike affect Aged Residential Care facilities, ambulances, or GPs?
Aged Residential Care facilities, St John Ambulance, GPs, and hospice services are not affected by the strike and will operate as normal.
How do I find out more about the strike in my area?
To find out more on how the strike might affect your local healthcare services and for contact information, see your local Health NZ website.
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