What You Need to Know About Wednesday’s Nurses Strike

A nationwide strike by approximately 36,000 nurses, midwives, and healthcare assistants is set to begin on Wednesday at 9 a.m. and continue through Thursday at 9 a.m. This marks a significant escalation in ongoing disputes over staffing levels, pay, and patient safety. The strike follows failed last-ditch negotiations on Monday, with both sides remaining entrenched in their positions.

Why Are Nurses Striking?

The union representing healthcare workers, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO), has raised serious concerns about unsafe staffing levels in hospitals, which they argue puts patients at risk. Despite repeated warnings from nurses, the issue has not been adequately addressed, leading to the current strike action.

The NZNO has rejected the latest pay offer from Health NZ, calling it a “massive backward step.” The government’s proposal includes a 3% pay increase over 27 months and two lump sum payments of $325. In contrast, the union is demanding a 5% increase over two years, $2000 flat rate increases for senior roles, and the restoration of a Tikanga Māori allowance.

Impact on Healthcare Services

According to Health NZ, acute and emergency services will continue during the strike, including maternity care, intensive care, and ambulance services. Patients already in hospitals will still receive ongoing care. However, most planned procedures and specialist appointments will be rescheduled, affecting around 4300 procedures.

Health NZ has assured the public that life-preserving services will remain operational throughout the strike, and hospitals and emergency departments will remain open. However, non-urgent clinic appointments will be closed, and affected patients will be contacted directly for rescheduling.

What’s Next?

The NZNO has stated that this strike is only the beginning and that further action may be taken if their demands are not met. The union has emphasized that nurses are not taking this step lightly, as they believe the current staffing levels are putting both patients and healthcare workers at risk.

The dispute has been ongoing since last October, with negotiations stalling over key issues related to public safety. Nurses have previously staged an eight-hour strike in December, and the current action is seen as a continuation of that effort to demand safer staffing and better pay.

What Should You Do if You Need Medical Help?

If you require medical assistance, acute and emergency services will still be available. Patients who have already been admitted to hospitals will continue to receive care. However, non-urgent appointments will be rescheduled, and affected individuals will be contacted directly.

Aged residential care, St John Ambulance, GPs, and hospice services will operate as normal and are unaffected by the strike. Anyone unsure about whether they need emergency care is advised to contact their GP or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.