Nurses, healthcare assistants (HCAs) and midwives who belong to the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) union are planning to strike in December.
In Hawke's Bay, a full withdrawal of labour by these staff is planned for 19 December from 1-5pm.
Our hospitals and healthcare services will continue to provide acute and emergency care throughout the strikes with the help of other clinical staff. This includes maternity care, intensive care, emergency department care, and ambulance services.
Anyone staying in hospital during the strikes 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 a sudden decline of your health, do not delay seeking help. 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.
Unfortunately, some appointments will need to be rescheduled. If you have an appointment booked for the day of a planned strike, please come to your appointment unless you are contacted directly to have your appointment rescheduled.
Our nurses, healthcare assistants (HCAs) and midwives 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.
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 closed from 1pm.
- 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 17 and 18 Dec) will not be visited until after the strike.
- Oncology and Palliative Care services closed from 1pm.
- Intensive Day Programme closed from 1pm.
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 you 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 1pm.
- 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 1pm.
- 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 services 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 1pm.
- 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.
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