Attribute to Dr Nick Baker, Acting National Clinical Director:

 

Te Whatu Ora has thanked patients and staff following today’s two-hour strike by senior doctors and dentists.

 

Emergency departments remained open, and care was maintained for patients during the strike.

 

We appreciate some may have been anxious about the strike and thank them for their understanding.

 

We are working on rescheduling the approximate 250 planned care procedures and the outpatient appointments that were deferred across the motu because of the strike.

 

Te Whatu Ora remains committed to reaching a settlement with the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists.

 

We are going back to mediated talks with the union tomorrow with this in mind and won’t comment further on those important discussions.

 

ENDS

 

Media contact: hnzmedia@health.govt.nz