DHB Nurses, Midwives and Healthcare Assistants on Strike
Members of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation who fall under the District Health Board Multi Employee Collective Agreement (MECA) are on an 8-hour strike tomorrow the 9 June 2021 between 11am – 7pm.
Jason Power, Chief Executive South Canterbury DHB said while the strike will put pressure on the health system, he respects the right of the union to carry out industrial action.
“Our priority is maintaining safe staffing and services for patients who will continue to require our assistance for the preservation of life and the prevention of disability.
At this time of year our hospital is generally very busy. We have had to reduce demand on services by postponing non-acute planned care in the lead up to the strike and on the day of the strike.”
Nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants make up about 70 per cent of the frontline health workforce.
“Staff have volunteered from other areas of the DHB to support wards to function by undertaking basic cares for patients and other un-regulated duties.
Emergency and essential services will be available. Do not delay seeking medical treatment or going to hospital if the matter is urgent. You can still call 111 for emergencies or an ambulance. People requiring non-urgent healthcare should contact their medical centre or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.”
ENDS