Health NZ responds to strike notice from some Auckland nurses

From Mike Shepherd, Group Director Operations Auckland City Hospital

Health New Zealand acknowledges the strike notice for 1 May from Auckland District-based operating theatre and post-anaesthetic care unit nurses who are members of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation.

The planned strike action, while contained to a defined group of nurses at Auckland City Hospital, Starship Hospital and Greenlane Clinical Centre between 9am and 1.30pm, is disappointing.

This action has been scheduled for the same time as the senior doctors’ strike potentially compounding patient impact.

If the senior doctors’ strike can’t be averted, thousands of planned surgeries, procedures and appointments would have to be cancelled or re-scheduled.

Contingency planning is underway to ensure safe and appropriate care during any action.

We will work with unions to ensure the continued delivery of critical hospital services continue and to minimise the impact of planned strikes on other patient care.

Information will be provided in advance to patients whose planned care may be impacted.

Health NZ believes re-engaging in discussion is the most effective way to resolve outstanding issues with unions and avoid potential disruption to patients and the wider health system.