Hato Hone St John industrial action caused no harm in Gisborne

The St John Ambulance service believes the industrial action by its officers on Tuesday and into Wednesday night caused no harm to patients across the country. It resumes on Saturday and into early Sunday. Photo / Paul Taylor

Hato Hone St John believes the first part of the industrial action by ambulance officers on Tuesday/Wednesday did not cause patient harm or any adverse incidents in Gisborne or anywhere else.

Members of First Union and the New Zealand Ambulance Association (NZAA) division of the Amalgamated Workers Union New Zealand withdrew their labour for the first four hours from the beginning of their shifts on Tuesday and into early Wednesday morning.

They will do the same from 4am on Saturday through to 4am Sunday.

A Gisborne ambulance officer spoken to by the Gisborne Herald said they were unable to comment locally.

Dan Ohs - Hato Hone St John’s deputy chief executive emergency ambulance operations - said they experienced an increase in demand during the first part of the strike action.

“Fortunately, we have not identified any adverse incidents or patient harm across the country resulting from the Tuesday-Wednesday action.

“On Saturday, we would ask people to reserve 111 calls for life-threatening emergencies only. We remind the public that during strike action they can still call 111 and get help in a life-threatening emergency.

“For all non-emergencies, we are ask people to please remember to contact Healthline or consider self-transporting to an urgent care clinic or hospital,” Ohs said.

“Looking ahead to Saturday, we are confident that the plans we have in place alongside our union partners will keep its people and patients safe.”