The union representing junior doctors nationwide, has indicated its members will be going on strike from 7am on 18 October to 7am on 20 October.
Junior doctors are a vital part of the healthcare team at Waikato Hospital and this strike will severely affect our ability to carry out our services.
We will need to reduce the number of patients in hospital over the period leading up to and during the proposed industrial action. We will be deferring some appointments for surgery, treatments and outpatient appointments and giving priority to emergency, intensive care and maternity.
All patients whose operations or clinical appointments are affected by the strike will be notified by telephone or mail. Not all clinics are being deferred, so if you have not been notified please attend for your appointment.
Please keep our Emergency Department for Emergencies only. If your illness or injury is not urgent, you may face long delays. It is better to go to your family doctor or local private accident and medical clinic when symptoms first appear rather than waiting until you are seriously ill. You can also contact Healthline on 0800 611 611 for advice.
If you can’t get to see a doctor easily on an evening or weekend, don’t forget the DHB has a new free out of hours online doctor service. To find out how to sign up click here.
Thank you for your patience.