Industrial action

There continues to be a significant amount of bargaining activity amongst the allied health, scientific and technical workforces. The DHB is currently planning for further strike action from the medical imaging technologist, laboratory worker and psychologist workforces.

It can be a challenging and difficult time during these strikes on both sides. I would encourage everyone to remember our values – Whakamana – Give and earn respect.

While the DHB support staff members rights to participate in strike action, workers of the same discipline also have the right to work. This is a personal decision and needs to be respected, we all need to be kind and courteous with each other. It is also important to remember that normal rules apply and staff are expected to continue to follow the DHB policies and procedures especially in relation to privacy and confidentiality.

While the DHB has put in place contingency plans in an effort to minimise disruption to patients, prioritising emergency department and acute inpatients requiring diagnostics, this is now starting to have a significant impact on waiting times for outpatient clinics and elective surgery requiring imaging support and for patients requiring cardiac catheterisation.

Thank you to everyone for working together during this time to keep our patients safe.