Statement attributable to Cath Cronin, Deputy Chief Executive Te Manawa Taki Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is disappointed at the strike notice issued today on behalf of senior doctors in Tairawhiti.

It is extremely concerning that such action is being taken when we are in facilitation with the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists to resolve outstanding issues and avoid further disruption to patients. 

We are approaching the facilitation planned for this week constructively and believe the strike notice issued today goes against the bargaining in good faith expectations.

We value our doctors, but we are also concerned about the impacts of strike action on our patients.

We believe we have made a fair and reasonable offer given the budget constraints we have and the current economic environment.

We recognise the concerns raised by union members in Tairawhiti regarding workforce shortages and we are committed to growing our permanent medical workforce.

In our offer to senior doctors, we offered an allowance of $25,000 for hard to recruit districts, including Tairawhiti, to assist in attracting and retaining senior doctors.

The strike notice covers ASMS members in Tairawhiti for 24 hours on 28 May.

Gisborne Hospital and emergency department will remain open should the strike action go ahead and other clinical staff, including doctors, will still be available to ensure the continued availability of health services for those who need them.