NZRDA Strike – 26 & 27 February

Statement from Chris Fleming regarding the NZRDA strike action – 26 & 27 February

Southern DHB is prepared for the fourth strike action by some members of the New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association union from 8am tomorrow, Tuesday 26 February, until 8am Thursday 28 February.

Our contingency planning team has continued to do an outstanding job, working with clinical and support staff from across the DHB, to prepare for this action, including contacting patients whose surgeries or appointments have been postponed.

Though busy, our hospitals remain open and patients should still come to their scheduled appointment or surgery on those days unless we have contacted them directly to say their appointment is being rescheduled.

Anyone needing urgent care should not hesitate to come to the ED for help and if it is an emergency, call 111 immediately.

For non-urgent matters, please contact your general practitioner, in the first instance, or after hours doctors, where appropriate. Free medical advice is also available 24/7 through Healthline on 0800 611 116.

 Unfortunately, this action is disruptive to the health care services we are able to provide to our patients and whānau, but patient safety remains our number one consideration. We appreciate the patience and understanding of those whose care is being disrupted, and again thank all our staff who have been involved for planning for the strike action to ensure patients are safe and cared for.