NZNO nurses’ strike: Tuesday 3 December, 11am-7pm 

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has received a strike notice from the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) advising that their members intend to strike from 11am to 7pm, Tuesday 3 December (8 hours). This will be a nationwide strike by nurses, health care assistants and some midwives. 

Members of the NZNO have valued roles in our health system and we respect their right to protest or strike. It is estimated that around 5000 staff in Canterbury and 400 or so on the West Coast belong to the NZNO and we expect a significant proportion will take part in strike action. 

We have a National Contingency Plan in place and are continuing to develop and implement local operational plans to ensure safe care and minimum disruption during the strike period.  

We apologise in advance for the inconvenience and distress this industrial action may cause some patients and their whānau who may be impacted by having their care deferred. At all times the safety of patients in our care remains our priority and we will be focused on ensuring people continue to have access to and receive appropriate care during the strike. 

 
What to do if you are sick or injured during the strike 

• People who need to access urgent or emergency care should do what they normally would and call 111 if it’s an emergency. 

• Ambulances and the 111 emergency number will be operating as normal 

• You can also call Healthline for free on 0800 611 116, any time of the day or night.  Healthline can provide trusted clinical health advice, information, and treatment from nurses, paramedics, advisors, and doctors. 

• Your local pharmacy can advise on over-the-counter medications and treatments including pain management. 

• Please choose the right care so we keep the Emergency Department (ED) free for those who need that specialist level of care.  

• If your health need is not urgent (or an emergency) but you still want to see a GP or Nurse, you could have an online (virtual) appointment using your laptop or device (https://healthify.nz/apps/v/virtual-consult-apps/). Your appointment will be with a NZ-registered health professional. They can manage a range of conditions and provide prescriptions for medication and/or medical certificates. 

• We would like to reassure our community that emergency and urgent/acute care will always be available at Christchurch Hospital. In a life-threatening emergency, call 111. 

Rescheduling surgeries and outpatient appointments during the strike period 

Over the coming days, Health NZ Waitaha Canterbury and Te Tai o Poutini West Coast will be calling people who have an outpatient appointment or planned surgery that will potentially be impacted by the strike – this could be on the day of the strike itself, or in the days on either side.  

Urgent procedures, such as cancer surgery and dialysis, will be prioritised to go ahead during the planned strike period on a case-by-case basis. 

We are reducing the number of outpatient appointments and elective surgeries leading up to and during the strike period. Where we have made an appointment, we will reschedule it when we contact the patient. During that phone call, we will also ask whether we can reinstate the original appointment at short notice if the industrial action does not go ahead.  

If you are in Canterbury and have an outpatient appointment on 3 December, or surgery planned in the days leading up to or on the day of the strike and haven’t heard from us by midday on Monday 2 December, please call the specific service detailed on your appointment letter. If you can’t find the letter, call the switchboard on 03 364 0640 between 8am and 5pm and ask to be connected to the appropriate service.   

Maternity care 

• Christchurch Women’s Hospital maternity services and Te Nīkau Hospital maternity services on the West Coast will be providing care, albeit with fewer staff. In Canterbury, all of our community birthing units will remain open for births. Transfers post-birth from Christchurch Women’s Hospital will be limited to some community birthing units during the strike period. We may be asking people to go home a little earlier – only if they and their baby are well – due to the impact on staff in our maternity ward and some community units. 

• Pregnant women should stick to their birthing plan and if they are concerned, seek advice from their Lead Maternity Care (LMC) midwife or obstetrician. Community LMCs are not on strike. 

• Clinics at Christchurch Women’s Hospital for pregnant women are not affected.  

• Emergency caesarean sections will continue to be available for women who need that level of care. 

• Planned (elective) caesareans and inductions of labour will continue during the strike period, as these are considered time-sensitive procedures. 

What else can you do to help? 
During the strike, we invite family, whānau and support people to stay longer to support their loved one in the hospital. Your assistance around meal times and helping keep your loved one comfortable and supported will be appreciated. You might want to organise for different whānau members to take turns supporting your family member throughout the day and evening of the strike.   

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 for Tuesday 3 December and you have not heard from us directly to have it rescheduled, please come to your appointment as normal.

Which services will be reduced during the strike?

On Tuesday 3 December we will reduce some inpatient and outpatient appointments, surgery, and treatments that can be safely deferred.

We have/will be 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 as normal.

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 strike. 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. 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 the 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 the 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 the 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, if you live on or are visiting the West Coast and need health care, you can connect with Ka Ora Telecare by either calling 0800 252-672 or accessing their website kaora.co.nz to chat with a nurse/kaiawhina, or to get a virtual GP appointment.
• Call Ka Ora for free advice (then, depending on your age and level of care needed, if you need to speak with a GP or Nurse Practitioner there may be a charge).
• This service is available between 5pm to 8am on weeknights and 24 hours a day on weekends and public holidays.
• The Ka Ora team will refer you to the in-person service available in your area if you need it.

How will the strike affect maternity services?

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

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

Aged Residential Care facilities, Hato Hone St John and privately owned general practices 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 your local Health NZ website.

ENDS