Junior doctors, midwives to strike
Planning is under way at Midcentral District Health Board sites ahead of next week’s proposed strikes by members of the New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association and the Midwifery Employee Representation and Advisory Service.
Junior doctors who are association members intend to strike for 48 hours from 8am on Tuesday until 8am on Thursday next week, while midwives who are members of the profession’s association have planned a 12-hour strike, from 9am to 9pm on Wednesday next week.
District health board Chief Executive Kathryn Cook said the main priority for Midcentral ahead of the strikes was to plan to ensure the safety of patients and staff during and directly after the strikes.
Although emergency and acute services will continue as normal, some elective services such as operations, procedures and outpatient clinics will be postponed. Patients who have appointments affected by the strike will be contacted directly and an alternative appointment time arranged.
‘‘We ask that people keep the emergency department free for emergencies. If your health condition is not an emergency, there are several other options, including Healthline, your general practice team and the district’s afterhours services,’’ Cook said.
District health board executive director of nursing and midwifery Celina Eves said women preparing for childbirth should not delay seeking advice and care and should come to scheduled appointments unless contacted beforehand to have it postponed.
"The maternity unit at Palmerston North Hospital and maternity services at Horowhenua Health Centre will be open and there will be a midwife available at all times during the strikes,’’ Eves said. ‘‘If you go into labour during the strike, please follow your normal birth plan and seek assistance from your lead maternity carer.’’
Cook said: ‘‘The patience and understanding from the public during previous periods of strike action was very much appreciated, and we sincerely hope this goodwill extends to this next round of industrial action.’’
‘‘The DHB respects the right of both junior doctors and midwives to take these strike actions. We have also appreciated how incredibly supportive and flexible staff who have worked have been over this disruptive period.’’