Further strike action by members of the New Zealand Resident Doctors' Assoc (NZRDA) - junior doctors for 48-hours from 8am Tuesday 26 February to Thursday 28 February.

The New Zealand Resident Doctors Association (NZRDA), whose members are junior doctors, has given notice of strike action for another 48-hour national strike commencing at 8am on Tuesday 26 February and ending on Thursday 14 February at 8am.

This will mean only emergency and essential services will be available for urgent medical care at Tauranga and Whakatāne Hospitals from: 

• 8am on Tuesday 26 February and ending on Thursday 28 February at 8am.

The BOPDHB has been engaged in contingency planning to reduce the effects of the strike action on our patients. As we do not have the option of moving patients to nearby hospitals, and while doing our utmost to ensure patient safety, unfortunately we need to once again defer surgical lists and outpatients' clinics.

If you were to have surgery or had an outpatient's appointment during the time of the strike action you will be contacted by us. If you are unsure about your appointment please call 0800 333 477 between 8.00am and 6.00pm weekdays. If you have had appointments or operations deferred, please be reassured that the BOPDHB is working to make new appointments for you.

Please also be aware that the BOPDHB's midwives will be taking strike action for 12 hours from 9am to 9pm on Tuesday 12 February. No women requiring maternity services will be turned away. Women are asked to contact their care provider, either their LMC or Tauranga or Whakatāne hospital maternity units, if care is required.

If you require medical attention for a situation that is NOT life threatening, please contact your GP or the free HealthLine on 0800 611 116 for health advice in the first instance, 24/7.

Please save the hospital emergency department for emergencies only. In the event of an emergency please dial 111 for emergency health assistance or an ambulance.

We appreciate your co-operation through this difficult period.