ASMS senior doctors’ strike: Thursday 1 May, 24-hours

The strike is planned to take place at all Health NZ hospitals and services where ASMS members are employed.

Our hospitals and healthcare services will continue to provide acute and emergency care throughout the strike with the help of other clinical staff. This includes maternity care, intensive care, emergency department care and ambulance services.

Anyone staying in hospital during the strikes will still receive the care and support they need.

We will continue to provide all our emergency services. If you have a medical emergency, or a sudden decline of your health, do not delay seeking help. Call 111 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.

Do not delay seeking help if you or someone else is in a serious or life-threatening condition.

Unfortunately, some appointments will need to be rescheduled. If you have an appointment booked for the day of a planned strike, please come to your appointment unless you are contacted directly to have your appointment rescheduled.

Health NZ values the hard work and dedication of our staff. We remain focussed on reaching a settlement with ASMS to avoid any disruption to patients.

FAQS:

Which services will continue to operate during the strike? 

Our hospitals and healthcare services will remain open throughout the strike with the help of other clinical staff. Anyone staying in hospital during this time will still receive the care and support they need.

We will continue to provide all our emergency services. If you have a medical emergency, or sudden decline of your health, do not delay seeking help. Call 111 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.

If you have an appointment booked during the strike action and you do not hear from us directly to have it rescheduled, please come to your appointment as normal.

Which services will be reduced during the strike? 

We will reduce some inpatient and outpatient appointments, surgery and treatments that can be safely deferred.

We are directly contacting any patients whose appointments may need to be rescheduled. We thank you for your understanding and patience if your appointment has been rescheduled.

If we have not contacted you directly to reschedule your appointment, please come to your appointment.

Who will provide care during the strike? 

Our hospital and healthcare services will continue to operate with the help of other clinical staff.

All hospitals have contingency plans in place to ensure that patients will receive safe and appropriate care during the strikes. This includes maternity care, intensive care, emergency department care and ambulance services.

How can I help support a friend or whānau during the strike? 

Friends and family members can play an important role during the strike action.

Consider staggering visits to your loved one so they have companionship throughout the day. If you have a friend or family member in hospital on the day of a strike, talk to the charge nurse about what to expect and how you can help.

What should I do if I have an appointment on the day of a strike? 

You should still come to your scheduled appointment unless you have been contacted directly by one of our hospital team to reschedule your appointment.

What if I need medical attention during a strike?

• If you have a medical emergency, or sudden decline of your health, call 111 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately. Do not delay seeking help if you or someone else is in a serious or life-threatening condition.
• For non-urgent medical advice or assistance, call Healthline for free anytime, day or night, on 0800 611 116. You can also visit www.healthline.govt.nz for more information.
• For minor illnesses, talk to your pharmacist or make an appointment with your GP.
• After-hours clinics are operating.

How will the strike affect maternity services? 

We will continue to provide maternity care during the strike action. Talk to your Lead Maternity Carer if you have questions or concerns.

Does the strike action affect Aged Residential Care facilities, ambulances, or GPs? 

Aged Residential Care facilities, St John Ambulance, GPs, and hospice services are not affected by the strike and will operate as normal.

How do I find out more about the strike in my area?

To find out more on how the strike might affect your local healthcare services and for contact information, see the Health NZ website.