Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
Health New Zealand says it is "disappointed" and "very concerned" about the impact a planned strike by senior doctors will have on patients.
The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) has confirmed up to 5500 members will walk off the job for 24 hours on 1 May after pay negotiations stalled.
In a statement on Tuesday, Health New Zealand said it had been alerted to planned industrial action by the union.
The agency's chief clinical officer Dr Richard Sullivan said if the planned strike went ahead it could cause the cancellation of around 4300 planned procedures or first specialist appointments, alongside the postponement of thousands of radiology procedures.
"We are disappointed that this planned strike action will impact on the work our teams are doing to bring down wait times for New Zealanders and will result in further delays for people who need care," he said.
"We remain focused on reaching a settlement with ASMS and avoiding any disruption to patients and the wider health system.
"We believe that proposals presented in bargaining to date are fair given the current economic situation."
Public hospitals and emergency departments would remain open and health professionals would still be available to ensure critical health services were in place, Sullivan said.
"We will work with ASMS to ensure the continued delivery of critical hospital services and to minimise the impact of the strike on other care services.
"To maintain patient safety, some clinics will be closed and planned care appointments will be postponed.
"All patients impacted by the strike will be contacted directly by hospital staff."
Health New Zealand said any appointments deferred because of strike action would be rescheduled.
Simeon Brown. Photo: RNZ / Reece Baker
In a series of posts on X, Health Minister Simeon Brown lamented the move of senior doctors striking.
"Striking won't shorten waitlists. Walking off the job won't fix system pressure. But it will delay care for thousands of New Zealanders who've already waited too long."
Health New Zealand remained at the table and ready to negotiate in good faith, Brown said.
"Striking isn't leadership. It's failing patients - and New Zealanders expect better."
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