Resident Medical Officers to strike – 15-18 April

Published Monday 1 Apr 2019

DHBs have received notice that Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) who are members of the New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association (NZRDA) union will undertake strike action around the country.

A number of our RMOs who are NZRDA members will withdraw their services during the strike – from 8am Monday 15 April to 11pm Thursday 18 April.

We respect and acknowledge NZRDA and MERAS members’ right to undertake strike action.

Patient safety and wellbeing remains our highest priority and focus. Detailed contingency planning is underway to ensure we can continue to meet patients’ needs during this time.

This involves prioritising essential and acute services over others – meaning some outpatient appointments and elective surgeries may be rescheduled. Affected patients will be notified accordingly.

People who are uncertain about their scheduled appointments or procedures should wait to be contacted, or call 0508 4 CCDHB (0508 4 22342).

The Emergency Department (ED) at Wellington Regional Hospital will remain open during the strike, and we ask people to please 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. In an emergency, call 111.