Media Statement | Counties Manukau Health has full contingency plans in place for a series of industrial action by members of the APEX union, the first of which starts today (Monday 30 September). The majority of our health services will be unaffected by the strike action.
Medical Imaging Technologists (Radiographers), Sonographers and Medical Laboratory Workers will strike in the coming days. Psychologists have also given notice of ongoing industrial action from 1 October to 1 November.
The first of two 24 hour strikes by Medical Imaging Technologists is underway with further strike action taking place over the following weeks.
“Our priority is the provision of urgent and acute care to those who really need it. Our Emergency Department and Inpatient Services will have the capacity to undertake all acute care.” says Counties Manukau Health GM Central Clinical Services and Contingency lead, Ian Dodson.
“A large number of our health services are unaffected however the strike action means that we may need to reschedule some of our non-urgent patient appointments and some of our elective surgery. We sincerely regret that this is necessary and we apologise to affected patients.”
“We will endeavour not to do this where possible so unless you are contacted by one of our team at Counties Manukau Health, you should come to your usual appointment as scheduled.”
“Patients whose appointments have been rescheduled have been contacted directly. We aim to reschedule all appointments to the next available date.”
“We would like to assure all our patients that we are here if you need us. We will have sufficient levels of staff available to provide urgent services through our emergency department.”
People who remain uncertain should feel free to call our toll free number 0800 277 1661.
During these strike periods, if people experience a condition that is not urgent or severe please contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 or their GP in the first instance.
In an emergency always call 111.
Planned Strike Action
- MIT (Radiographers): 7am Monday 30 September – 7am Tuesday 1 October
- MIT (Radiographers): 7am Wednesday 2 October – 7am Thursday 3 October
- Sonographers: 7am Thursday 3 October – 7am Saturday 5 October
- Medical Laboratory Workers: 8am Friday 11 October – 8am Saturday 12 October
- Psychologists: 8am Tuesday 1 October – 8am Friday 1 November
Click here for more information.
Issued by: CM Health Communications
Media Line: 09 250 9857 Email:Communications@middlemore.co.nz