Junior Doctor’s strike update from Southern DHB

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday 18 October

Junior Doctor’s strike update from Southern DHB

Southern DHB’s contingency planning in preparation for today’s strike by Resident Medical Officers (RMO) has so far been effective, says Chris Fleming Southern DHB Interim Chief Executive Officer.

“Since the strike notice was given two weeks ago, Southern DHB staff has been contingency planning and we are well-prepared for this strike action,” Mr Fleming said. “Our Dunedin, Wakari, and Invercargill hospitals are doing an outstanding job of focusing on urgent and acute care and, as much as possible, it is business as usual. We’ve had to postpone a number of elective procedures and some outpatient activity, but proceeded where it’s been deemed clinically appropriate to do so.”

RMOs or junior doctors at all DHBs across New Zealand, including Southern DHB, began a 48-hour strike at 7am this morning. It’s not yet confirmed how many junior doctors are striking in this district but, of the 269 RMOs employed by the Southern DHB, 73% are unionised and eligible to strike.

“I would like to thank our staff who have done an outstanding job of contingency planning and putting those plans into action today to ensure Southern DHB provides the best medical care possible.”

Southern DHB directly contacted patients whose appointment or procedure was postponed due to the strike. Approximately 500 appointments – both outpatient and elective procedures – have been postponed.

Emergency Departments will remain open during the strike and while all DHBs across the country are reminding the public to keep emergency departments for urgent care and to see general practitioners and urgent doctors where appropriate, Southern DHB Chief Medical Officer Nigel Millar encourages district residents - particularly older persons - “to seek out emergency medical help if you need it. Don’t stay at home thinking the hospital is closed. We are here if you need us.”

He also reminded people the hospital's emergency departments are for emergencies, and for people to go to their GP or to one of the afterhours clinics. People seeking medical advice can ring the HealthLine 0800 611 116 and in an emergency call 111.

ENDS

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