Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) who are members of the New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association (NZRDA) union will undertake a second strike - following the first one on January 15 and 16 - around the country at the end of this month.
A number of our RMOs are NZRDA members and will withdraw their services for a second time in January for 48 hours on Tuesday 29 January through to Wednesday 30 January.
Patient safety and wellbeing remains our highest priority and focus during all this strike action. Contingency planning is underway for this second strike to ensure we can continue to meet patients’ needs in the face of the staffing gaps this 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 Health line (0800 611 116) for free advice from a registered nurse.
