Normal hospital services will be available today and tomorrow while nurses and midwives undertake rallies in support of claims about their pay and working conditions.

Bay of Plenty District Health Board chief executive Helen Mason says while there will be hour-long lunchtime rallies outside Tauranga and Whakatane hospitals on Thursday and Friday this week respectively, it's important people realise all services will continue to be available and that access to either hospital will not be impeded.

'Anyone needing emergency treatment or with an appointment should go to their hospital as normal.

'We don't want anyone missing out on the care they need. The rallies will not block patient access to either hospital so people do not need to change any of their travel plans as a result.

'The rally is designed to highlight the nurses' and midwives' claims in negotiations. Staff who want to support their nursing colleagues are entitled to take part and can do so in non-work hours or during a rostered break.”

New Zealand Nurses Organisation Bay of Plenty DHB organiser Angela Neil says the rally will be happening from 12-1pm on Cameron Road, outside the hospital.

'It's not paid or a stop-work meeting, so people who are working will be coming on their breaks. We're hoping for 50 or more to turn up.

'We will be expressing dissatisfaction with the offer we've been given, and how the salary structure doesn't adequately recognise our experience or skills, or give us reason to stay in New Zealand to nurse.”