Strike action by laboratory workers

Northland District Health Board has been issued with a strike notice for all laboratory workers within Northland hospitals. This is part of a New Zealand-wide industrial dispute. The 48-hour strike is scheduled to take place from 0800 on Wednesday, 11 April to 0800 Friday, 13 April 2007.

A contingency plan, based on contingencies used during the previous strike action in November/December 2006, is being put into action.

All patients affected by the strike will be contacted individually by the DHB, and their appointments will be rescheduled. This applies to people who may require blood transfusions or laboratory tests.

Outpatient clinics and specialist appointments will be maintained as normal throughout the strike period, although laboratory work will not be available for these appointments.

Information about the DHB’s plans to manage the strike period has been sent to all Northland GPs, via the Primary Healthcare Organisations (PHOs).

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For further information, please contact:
Clare Blackburn, Communications Manager
Northland District Health Board
Phone (09) 430 4101 ext 3315