COMMUNICATIONS

MLWU Strike 11 April 2007 – 13 April 2007

Canterbury District Health Board is one of 16 DHBs that have received a notice of strike action from the New Zealand Medical Laboratory Workers Union.

Unless a settlement can be reached, laboratory workers at the Canterbury Health Laboratories will strike in support of their pay claim from:

8 am Wednesday, 11 April 2007 until 8am Friday, 13 April 2007.

The New Zealand Blood Service has also received notice for the same period.

The union has agreed to the provision of ‘life preserving services’ during the strike. This means that patients with a potentially life threatening condition will have access to the services they need from Canterbury Health Laboratories and the NZ Blood Service.

Some services at all CDHB hospitals will be limited during the strike and some patients may be asked to visit private laboratories for their tests.

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

Anyone with a request form for a laboratory test is advised to have the test done before Easter or on Tuesday 10 April prior to the strike if urgent, or wait until the two day strike has finished.

Canterbury DHB’s primary consideration in preparing for this strike is patient care - maintaining urgent care and minimising clinical risks.

Strike co-ordinator Jock Muir says disruptions will be well managed during the strike. “Disruption to patients and services is expected to be minimal over the two day strike period, with good planning and contingency plans in place and all staff and patients kept informed.”

ENDS