Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) who are members of the New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association (NZRDA) union will undertake strike action around the country this month.
A number of our RMOs are NZRDA members and will withdraw their services from 7am on Tuesday, January 15, to 7am on Thursday, January 17.
Patient safety and wellbeing remains our highest priority and focus during this time. Contingency planning is underway to ensure we can continue to meet patients’ needs in the face of the staffing gaps that the strike action will create.
This involves prioritising essential and acute services over others – meaning some outpatient appointments and elective surgeries will have to be rescheduled. Patients who have appointments or surgeries during this time can expect to hear from us about whether they are affected.
People who are uncertain about their scheduled appointments or procedures should wait to be contacted or call (04) 570 9555.
The Emergency Department (ED) at Hutt Hospital will remain open during the strike; and we ask people to remember that ED is for emergencies only.
People with non-urgent ailments or injuries should visit their GP in the first instance.
Anyone unsure about whether they need ED care should contact their GP or call Healthline (0800 611 116) for free advice from a registered nurse.
