Nurses to go on strike

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

Nurses on Gisborne Hospital’s Ward 5 will strike for one hour next Wednesday.

The industrial action comes after a series of appeals for staff and patient safety have been ignored by the employer, says the New Zealand Nurses Organisation.

NZNO Tairāwhiti delegate Christine Warrander said the decision was made because they were “incredibly concerned” about patient safety, and “the existing situation continues to compromise patient care”.

Ms Warrander said a provisional improvement notice (PIN) was issued on December 20 for Ward 5 in response to health and safety concerns arising from unsafe staffing levels.

Acute and persistent staff shortages had resulted in untenable workloads, staff stress, increased sick leave, burnout and resignations.

But the situation had become worse, Ms Warrander said.

“The system is falling apart, and no one is listening.”

Patient care nurses are calling on Te Whatu Ora to reduce beds from 25 to a maximum of 20 and for staff levels that provide safe patient care.

“We used to be stretched taking five patients each, now it is not uncommon to have eight patients each.

“Staff have nothing left to give and they are exhausted, and this is when the risk of mistakes is high.”

The strike will take place from 1.30pm to 2.30pm on Wednesday, May 24.