Caring for our patients and supporting our nurses

Along with other DHBs around the country, Hutt Valley DHB has received formal notice from the New Zealand Nurses Organisation of one 24-hour strike beginning 7.00 am on 5 July.

Notice of a second 24-hour strike from 7.00 am on 12 July is expected this week.

Acting Chief Executive Dale Oliff says Hutt Valley DHB is committed to supporting its nurses with their right to strike.

“We are putting plans in place to manage patient care as safely as we can on the days the strikes may take place.  This will be very challenging for us as our expectation is that almost all nurses will be on strike.”

Contingency plans include:
•    minimising outpatient appointments on the strike days, postponing clinics and non-acute surgery, and carefully discharging before the strikes as many hospital patients as possible who don’t need acute care
•    caring for patients who absolutely need to be in hospital at the time. This will be carried out by Hutt Valley DHB volunteers overseen by a small number of nurses
•    focusing resources on acute patient care. Family and visitors of patients in the hospital could be asked to help with basic care tasks on the days of the strike.

Dale Oliff says members of the general public can greatly help on these days by phoning Healthline 0800 611 116, or seeking help from their GP first.

“Only present yourself at our Emergency Department if it is an emergency – a threat to life, vision or limbs.”

If you are in doubt, Dial 111 for emergencies.

Hutt Valley DHB has been in contact directly with other health providers such as aged residential care and GPs to help best-manage patient flows during this time. “We appreciate their support.

“At this stage, we are not seeking general volunteers from the community.”