DHB – strike response update

District Health Boards say hospitals have managed a difficult situation well dealing with the impact of the strike by NZNO nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants which began at 7:00 am this morning and is due to finish at 7:00 am tomorrow (Friday 13 July).

DHB spokesperson Helen Mason says the Life Preserving Services Agreements developed in advance of the strike have enabled DHBs to provide emergency and essential services and to get assistance from NZNO members where required.

“With discharges, transfers and admissions, there has been very little change in hospital occupancy.

“Emergency Departments also continue with a lower than usual demand.

“GPs and primary care providers have also played their part and Healthline has been slightly busier than usual for a Thursday in July.

“There are a lot of people that have worked very hard through the day to protect patients and staff, and many more will continue to provide care through the night.”

Ms Mason says emergency and essential services are being provided and anyone who is acutely sick should not hesitate to call 111 or go to hospital.

Ms Mason says, for non-urgent matters people should do what they normally do and visit their GP or pharmacy, and free medical advice is available 24/7 through Healthline (phone 0800 611 116).

ENDS

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