Bay nurses striking Thursday

The imminent nursing strikes in the region will "significantly" impact services at Hawke's Bay and Wairoa hospitals, and both Napier and Central Hawke's Bay's medical centres, the Hawke's Bay District Health Board says.

The board said it's "actioning contingency plans" for the strike from 7am Thursday 12 July until 7am Friday 13 July, to ensure quality and safety of patient care and to minimise disruption wherever possible.

Non-urgent patient appointments and elective surgeries will be rescheduled during this time as a result of the NZNO strike action.

Patients whose appointments and procedures are being postponed will be contacted directly by phone by Hawke's Bay DHB staff.

During the strike, Hawke's Bay Hospital will continue to provide essential and urgent services including emergency departments, acute surgery, intensive care, cancer treatments, maternity services and acute wards at reduced capacity.

Wairoa Hospital will provide ED services for essential and urgent cases.

Central Hawke's Bay Health Centre inpatient ward will be closed.

General practices and most other health services across the region will not be directly affected by the strike action.

In case of emergencies, patients should go to the Emergency Department.

Where possible, however, they should contact their general practice or urgent doctors for non-emergencies. Healthline – 0800-611 116 – continues to be available for medical advice, and 111 for emergencies.

Chief executive Kevin Snee thanked staff, the contingency planning team, general practice and other health providers for the support they were offering the DHB.

"We apologise to our patients whose operation or appointment will have to be deferred and we will rebook them as soon as we can," he said.

* If patients haven't heard from they can call 0800 248 794 for more information or help.