Nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants (HCAs) who belong to the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) union are planning to strike on Tuesday 3 December, from 11am to 7pm.
Our hospitals and healthcare services will continue to provide acute and emergency care throughout the strike with the help of other clinical staff.
Anyone staying in hospital during the strike time will still receive the care and support they need.
Please help by keeping our emergency departments for emergencies only.
Do not delay seeking help if you or someone else is in a serious or life-threatening condition.
We will continue to provide all our emergency services. If you have a medical emergency, or a sudden decline of your health, do not delay seeking help. Call 111 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.
Unfortunately, some appointments will need to be rescheduled. If you have an appointment booked for Tuesday 3 December and you are not contacted directly to have your appointment rescheduled, please come to your appointment as normal.
Our nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants (HCAs) are a highly valued part of our workforce and are committed to caring for our patients. We respect their right to take industrial action and know the decision to strike is a very difficult one.
FAQs
Which services will continue to operate during the strike?
Our hospitals and healthcare services will remain open throughout the strike with the help of other clinical staff. Anyone staying in hospital during this time will still receive the care and support they need.
We will continue to provide all our emergency services. If you have a medical emergency, or sudden decline of your health, do not delay seeking help. Call 111 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.
If you have an appointment booked for Tuesday 3 December and you do not hear from us directly to have it rescheduled, please come to your appointment as normal.
Which services will be reduced during the strike?
On Tuesday 3 December we will reduce some inpatient and outpatient appointments, surgery, and treatments that can be safely deferred.
We are directly contacting any patients whose appointments may need to be rescheduled. We thank you for your understanding and patience if your appointment has been rescheduled.
If we have not contacted you directly to reschedule your appointment, please come to your appointment as normal.
Who will provide care during the strike?
Our hospital and healthcare services will continue to operate with the help of other clinical staff.
All hospitals have contingency plans in place to ensure that patients will receive safe and appropriate care during the strike. This includes maternity care, intensive care, emergency department care, and ambulance services.
How can I help support a friend or whānau during the strike?
Friends and family members can play an important role during the strike. Consider staggering visits to your loved one so they have companionship throughout the day. If you have a friend or family member in hospital on the day of the strike, talk to the charge nurse about what to expect and how you can help.
What should I do if I have an appointment on the day of the strike?
You should still come to your scheduled appointment unless you have been contacted directly by one of our hospital team to reschedule your appointment.
What if I need medical attention during the strike?
- If you have a medical emergency, or sudden decline of your health, call 111 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately. Do not delay seeking help if you or someone else is in a serious or life-threatening condition.
- For non-urgent medical advice or assistance, call Healthline for free anytime, day or night, on 0800 611 116. You can also visit www.healthline.govt.nz for more information.
- For minor illnesses, talk to your pharmacist or make an appointment with your GP.
- After-hours clinics are operating.
How will the strike affect maternity services?
We will continue to provide maternity care during the strike. Talk to your Lead Maternity Carer if you have questions or concerns.
Does the strike affect Aged Residential Care facilities, ambulances, or GPs?
Aged Residential Care facilities, St John Ambulance, GPs, and hospice services are not affected by the strike and will operate as normal.
How do I find out more about the strike in my area?
To find out more on how the strike might affect your local healthcare services and for contact information, see your local Health NZ website
