Strike Action

APEX union members employed by the private sector laboratories are taking strike action in late March around most of New Zealand.

Extensive contingency plans have been developed to manage and minimise any impacts on hospitals and community-based health services.

All our hospitals and emergency departments will remain open.

Unless contacted directly, patients should attend Health NZ outpatient appointments or surgery as planned.

Impacts vary across the country.

In some places, major surgical cases have been deferred, but most districts have substituted them with smaller procedures to ensure planned care continues.

Life preserving services will be provided for laboratories by the union to ensure acute care continues.

For more information, see Awanui Labs — Laboratory & pathology services and Industrial Strike Action Notice | Pathlab

You can read more information here: Industrial action – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

What you need to know during strike actions

• Emergency departments remain open, and hospital inpatients will receive safe care. But please only visit an emergency department if you require urgent care.
• People with non-urgent ailments or injuries should contact their GP in the first instance. Anyone unsure about whether they need emergency department care should contact their GP or call Healthline (0800 611 116) for free advice.
• Unless you are contacted directly, please attend any scheduled appointment or treatment