Midwives who are members of the Midwifery Employee Representation & Advisory Service (MERAS) plan to strike for eight hours from 11:00am until 7:00pm on Monday 9 August. A number of our hospital midwives are MERAS members and will withdraw their services from our hospitals for the duration of the strike.
Maternity, ante and post-natal services will continue to be available at Southern DHB hospitals during this planned industrial action by some DHB-employed midwives.
All Lead Maternity Carers (LMCs) will be providing their usual care to women and babies.
We have detailed plans in place to ensure our facilities remain open and services continue to operate as normally as possible. Patient safety and wellbeing is our highest priority and our aim is to minimise any effect on women, babies and families.
Information for Mothers, Families and Whānau
Who do I call if I have concerns during the strike?
During the strike period, if you have any concerns contact your lead maternity carer (LMC) (midwife or obstetrician) or your GP. If you are in labour, contact your LMC or follow the advice you have been given.
Do I still go to my appointment?
Unless you have been contacted and told otherwise, then yes, you should attend any regularly scheduled appointment, treatment or clinic.
What if I go into labour during the strike?
Contact your LMC or follow advice you have already been provided. As always, in an emergency call 111.
What if I am in hospital during the strike?
Southern DHB has been planning for this strike with the safety of our patients is our priority and appropriate support and rostering is in place to ensure patients are supported and cared for in hospital.