NZNO members in Theatre, Post-Anaesthetic Care Unit and Radiology at Christchurch Hospital embark on a two-hour full strike tomorrow over continued concerns about chronic and ongoing staff shortages.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Christchurch Hospital theatre delegate Gayl Marryatt says in late July members voted overwhelmingly in favour of strikes across these three areas.
"The strike is a result of the desperate staffing issues faced by members on a daily basis.
"Te Whatu Ora’s complete unwillingness to resolve the issues raised in bargaining has meant that members are now standing up to tell Te Whatu Ora, and the Government, that they are willing to take direct action and win on these issues.
"We are taking this action so Te Whatu Ora recognises there are not enough nurses, midwives, healthcare assistants and kaimahi hauora. We want patients to get the care they need.
"If the Coalition Government is as committed to patient safety as it claims, it will ensure they are not under-staffed, under-resourced and overworked," Gayl Marryatt says.
A picket will be held outside the hospital from 2pm to 4pm.
Life preserving services will continue to be provided.