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Canterbury Health System preparing for second planned strike
November 10, 2016
Canterbury Health System preparing for second planned strike by members of the RDA
Like all District Health Boards, Canterbury DHB is in the early stages of contingency planning with the focus on ensuring safe care during the 48-hour strike period, when most RDA members are expected to withdraw their services.
On Tuesday (November 8, 2016) the New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) issued a strike notice, which confirmed they have directed their members to strike for 48-hours, beginning at 7am on Wednesday 23 November and ending at 7am on Friday 25 November.
It follows a 48 hour strike last month (October 18-19, 2016), which resulted in Canterbury DHB having to postpone and re-book 181 elective surgeries and procedures, and 444 outpatient appointments. Canterbury DHB employs 487 Resident Medical Officers.
David Meates, Canterbury DHB Chief Executive, says providing safe care for patients during the strike is the highest priority for people working in the Canterbury Health System.
“The DHB is prioritising essential and acute services, and so some elective surgeries and outpatient appointments are being rescheduled.”
“People with appointments or surgery booked during the strike period can expect to hear from Canterbury DHB about whether they are affected or not.”
The Emergency Department (ED) at Christchurch Hospital will remain open during the strike.
“We ask people to phone their General Practice team first – unless it’s a life-threatening emergency. After-hours when you call your usual general practice number your call will be put through to a nurse who can provide free health advice. If you need to be seen urgently, they will tell you what to do and where to go for #carearoundtheclock.”
ENDS
Canterbury DHB
CDHB
Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is a Christchurch, New Zealand based hospital and healthcare provider for the
Canterbury region of New Zealand. Our region extends from Kekerengu in the North, to Rangitata in the South and Arthurs Pass in the West and comprises the six Territorial Local Authorities of Kaikoura, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Christchurch City, Selwyn and Ashburton.
We collaborate with other health and disability organisations, stakeholders and our community to decide what health and disability services are needed and how to best use the funding we receive from Government to improve, promote and protect the health, wellbeing and independence of our population.
At the Canterbury DHB, our vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Canterbury.
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