COMMUNICATIONS

Strike by Medical Laboratory Workers Union

The Canterbury District Health Board is one of 15 District Health Boards to have received strike notice from the New Zealand Medical Laboratory Workers Union.

In addition the New Zealand Blood Service has received notice covering the same period.

The strike is proposed to take place from 8am Wednesday, 29 November 2006 until 8am Wednesday, 6 December 2006.

The CDHB’s prime consideration in preparing for the strike is patient care – maintaining urgent and acute care and minimising risks. Contingency planning for the strikes is well underway. Negotiations with the union are continuing and it is hoped for a successful outcome.

The union has agreed to the provision of ‘life preserving services’ only, during the strike.

This means that anyone with a potentially life threatening condition will have access to services they need from the Canterbury Health Laboratories and New Zealand Blood Service.

The Canterbury Health Laboratories will continue to operate, but at a severely reduced level.

Some services at all CDHB hospitals will be limited during the strike.

A significant number of surgical cases, along with some outpatient appointments will be affected and some services will be cancelled during this time. Patients will be contacted directly.

Some patients may be asked to visit private laboratories for their tests. These visits will be paid for by the Canterbury District Health Board.

Anyone with an Outpatient Clinic appointment scheduled during the strike period, who requires a blood test beforehand, should ensure the test is carried out before 29 November.

ENDS