Docs after a ‘fair deal’

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Junior doctors want ‘‘a fair deal” and are disappointed to be striking again next week after mediation with health boards failed, says a Gisborne doctors’ representative.

The nation’s junior doctors or members of New Zealand Resident Doctors Association (NZRDA) will strike for 48 hours from 8am on Tuesday.

It is the second strike by NZRDA this month.

“We have asked for the same contract as we currently have with a pay rise equivalent to what other health professionals have recently received,’’ Dr Charlotte O’Leary said.

“Unfortunately, health boards are not budging from their current position.

“They want to remove provisions in our contract that protect us.

“Essentially they wish to change how, when and where we work, without our agreement.

‘‘We are disappointed we have to strike for a second time, but it is unfortunately necessary.

“We apologise to any patients who have been affected.

“We are also thankful for the support from the general public, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists and the New Zealand Medical Council,’’ Dr O’Leary said.