48-hour strike by junior doctors ends

Northland District Health Board hospitals coped well during the 48-hour strike by junior doctors which ended this morning.

Dr Nick Chamberlain, General Manager, Surgery, Critical Care, Medicine and Diagnostic Services, said that DHB staff worked hard to ensure patient safety throughout the strike period.

The public appeared to have heeded requests not to overload the Emergency Department at Whangarei Hospital, and due to the deferment of elective procedures and outpatient clinics, hospitals were able to cope with a reduced level of staffing.

He said: "I would like to thank all those staff, including doctors, nursing, administration and support staff, who responded so well under difficult circumstances. Our contingency plans were implemented as expected and all services coped well.

"We thank the public for their tolerance and understanding at this time, and we also acknowledge the efforts of those working in General Practice, White Cross and our regional hospitals in Kaitaia, Bay of Islands and Dargaville "

Northland DHB this week received a further strike notice from the Resident Doctors Association, which plans another nationwide strike from 0700 7 May to 0800 9 May. Contingency plans will again be implemented in order to maintain services during this period.

-Ends-

For further information, please contact:

Clare Blackburn, Communications Manager

Northland District Health Board 

Phone (09) 430 4101 ext 3315