Junior doctors already planning second strike
katarina.williams@stuff.co.nz come back to the table, settle and understand that the determination is unwavering. They need to modify their position accordingly and hopefully we’ll get somewhere. Unlike any other group in the health sector bargaining at the moment, we’re facing a lot of clawbacks ... that’s to provisions in our collective agreement that protect RMOs in some very important areas,’’ Munro said.
One of those provisions under threat is that junior doctors can’t be asked to work more than 16 hours by the DHBs without agreement from the union, he said.
Following Thursday’s negotiation stalemate, DHB spokesman Dr Peter Bramley said DHBs were ‘‘disappointed’’ by the decision to strike on Tuesday.
DHBs are in the process of contingency planning for the doctors’ two-day exodus from the wards.
While non-essential appointments and procedures were being postponed, all emergency departments would be open for patients needing emergency care.
Junior doctors range from new graduates through to resident doctors with up to 13 years’ experience.
Government duty minister Iain LeesGalloway has encouraged ‘‘all parties to come together’’ to avoid strike action.
‘‘We respect the right of doctors to take action of this nature; we urge that patient safety and care remains paramount and is not compromised by the proposed action.
‘‘DHBs have assured us they have contingency plans in place to ensure essential and emergency services will not be affected if the strike goes ahead. Anyone who needs treatment during the strike will have it and people should not delay seeking medical advice if they think the matter is urgent,’’ Lees-Galloway said. Auckland: Some patient appointments being rescheduled. Those not contacted should attend appointments as normal. Counties Manukau: Large number of services ‘‘not affected’’. Endeavouring ‘‘not to reschedule, where possible’’. Those affected will be contacted. Waikato: About 450 junior doctors employed, mostly at Waikato Hospital. Thames, Te Kuiti, Taumarunui and Tokoroa hospitals ‘‘mostly unaffected’’. Patients whose clinical appointments or operations are affected are being phoned. Lakes: On the strike days, all elective or scheduled surgeries will be postponed, along with the majority of outpatient clinics. Patients will be contacted if their appointment or procedure needs to be changed. MidCentral: Some patients’ appointments will be affected and they will be contacted. Those not contacted should attend their appointment or surgery as normal. People with questions can call 0800 764 677. Capital & Coast: Priority will be given to essential and acute 24-hour services. Patients with appointments or elective surgeries impacted by strike will be contacted. Canterbury: About 70 per cent of 550 junior doctors affected. Patients with procedures affected by the strike will be contacted, or patients can check by phoning 0800 778 226 (8am-5pm). Surgeries and outpatient appointments affected by strike are being rescheduled. All emergency departments will be open for genuine emergencies. Those with non-urgent ailments or injuries should visit their GP first.