Statement attributable to Dr Dale Bramley, Health New Zealand chief executive

With health workers from multiple unions and workgroups striking tomorrow, Health New Zealand would like to reassure the public that plans are in place to ensure the continued delivery of hospital and some community health services tomorrow.

Patient safety will remain our priority throughout the strikes.

Hospitals, emergency departments, mental health units and some community services will remain open during the strikes, with union members supporting our non striking staff in providing life-preserving services.

The public is encouraged to only use EDs for genuine emergencies. Patients with non-urgent needs will face longer delays to be seen.

Our crisis and acute mental health services will be open, but routine clinics will be closed and most home visits will not go ahead.

To maintain patient safety most hospital-based clinics will also be closed tomorrow. However, if you still have a hospital appointment tomorrow, please come to your appointment unless we have contacted you directly to reschedule.

Any appointments that are deferred due to the strikes will be rescheduled to the next available opportunity.

Our advice for all patients during the strikes is:

  • if you need emergency care, come to the ED as normal
  • people requiring non-emergency care should contact their GP or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 in the first instance
  • patients in hospital will receive safe care
  • unless you are contacted directly, please attend any scheduled outpatient or community appointment or treatment
  • people with mental health needs should contact their GP or call or text 1737 which is the national mental health and addictions helpline