Everything running smoothly: BOPDHB

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There were no serious issues or concerns during the first day of the junior doctors' strike, reports the Bay of Plenty District Health Board.

About 145 Bay of Plnety doctors, who are members of the New Zealand Resident Doctors Association, have withdrawn their services as part of the 48 hour strike which finishes at 7am on Thursday.

'Everything ran smoothly yesterday and overnight and continues to do so today at both Tauranga and Whakatane hospitals. The medical staff have been managing well,” says BOPDHB Medical Director Dr Hugh Lees.

After being notified of the 48 hour strike the BOPDHB got to work to create a contingency plan to allow Tauranga and Whakatāne Hospitals to manage without the striking junior doctors, reduce the impact on services for patients, and allow clinical staff to focus on patients in most need.

This included rescheduling some elective surgery and outpatient department appointments, and if patients are unsure about a surgery or Outpatient Department appointment booked for today (October 19) at either Tauranga or Whakatāne Hospital call 0800 333 477 between 8am-4.30pm.

People are also reminded that Emergency Departments are for emergencies and they should visit their GP or an afterhours clinics for all non-urgent care.

'If [people] are wanting medical advice there is HealthLine 0800 611 116 available and in an emergency call 111. If people need after hours medical care, they can also call their GP 24/7.

'When your GP clinic is closed a registered nurse will answer your call and give you the free professional advice you need.”

All of the country's 20 district health boards are affected by the strike, which has come about after the NZRD's negotiations with DHBs over junior doctors' working conditions proved unsuccessful.

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