Update on strike by laboratory workers

During the first 24 hours of the strike by hospital laboratory workers, clinical staff report that hospitals in Northland have been relatively quiet. Any patients requiring urgent laboratory work have been able to have these tests performed, through the DHB’s agreement with the lab workers’ union. There were seven LPS (Life-Preserving Services) episodes, involving six patients, in the period from 0800 11 April to 0800 12 April.

The number of people scheduled for major surgery this week had already been curtailed, due to the Easter weekend and the fact that the hospital is having essential maintenance work carried out on its power supply system. This has assisted staff in managing the flow of patients during the strike period.

Staff are making every effort to conserve patient safety during this period, and have ensured that all acutely ill patients have received the necessary care.

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