Planning in place to cope with impact of nurses strike

Gisborne nurses were well supported by the public when they recently marched for better pay and staff-to-patient ratios and to be able to work in wards where they could care equally for all patients and ensure they were getting the best care. Picture by Paul Rickard

Gisborne health board Hauora Tairawhiti is making final adjustments to contingency plans for strike action by nurses tomorrow.

Chief executive Jim Green said there would be significant disruptions to all services.

“We have a very experienced contingency planning team, which has put together a plan for essential services and to ensure the organisation runs as smoothly and safely as possible during the strike period.

“The main focus is patient and staff safety.”

“Our preparation is a little different from that of the proposed strike on July 5.

“The fact that school holidays will have started poses a challenge in itself — that there are usually more admissions and presentations during the school holiday period.”

The contingency plan includes how the wards and departments will be managed during the strike period.

“Most planned services have been rescheduled to minimise delays for patients who are in acute conditions to be seen quickly. However, there may be delays in the emergency department (ED) if people come on Thursday.

“There will be significant changes to the way we work and provide service during strike action.

“During the period of the strike, some inpatient wards will be open, as will ED.

“The main message for the community is to see their GP or nurse or call Healthline 0800 611 116 in preference to coming to the emergency department for non-emergency problems.

“However, for urgent cases, you should not delay in seeking medical attention or coming to the emergency department. For any concerns regarding appointments or services, the hotline 0800 800 620 has been created and is now active.

Nurses will picket outside Gisborne Hospital from 7am to 11am tomorrow.

A march along Gladstone Road to Heipipi Endeavour Park will start at Childers Road Reserve at noon.

Another picket will be held outside the hospital from 2pm to 4pm.