Whakatāne Hospital nurses, midwives and healthcare nurses on strike at The Hub. Photo: Paora Manuel
More than 60 Whakatāne hospital nurses, picketed outside The Hub as part of nationwide strikes, following a deadlock in talks between the Nurses Organisation and Health New Zealand.
Workers are opposing changes, that would see a reduced number of nurses caring for patients.
Among the striking nurses was Sharon Powley, who said it's a shame they had no other choice, but to strike.
"We actually want to know that patients get safe care," Powley said.
Staffing levels could be reduced dramatically and patients won't get safe care if the system is removed, Powley said.
Surgical ward nurses, Bridget Patrick and Eva Rotu were also on the picket line.
Surgical ward nurses, Eva Ratu (left) and Bridget Patrick (right) also downed tools to strike. Photo: Chloe Moore
Patrick said the strike is about what nurses deserve "coming into Christmas when they'll be doing overtime."
Ratu said today is about letting the public know, that nurses "are struggling" and they need the support."
Nurse Organisation delegate Tracy Black said nurses heading overseas, will have an impact on places like Whakatāne.
"We didn't have many open positions this year, so we lose out on the workforce of the future," Black said.
Health New Zealand Deputy Chief Executive Mark Shepherd said they are committed to reaching a settlement with the nurses.
"Any settlement needs to reflect the ongoing reset of Health NZ as we work to get back to budget and complete the restructuring underway," Shepherd said.
But Shepherd said they are "disappointed that strike action is being taken so early in the bargaining process."
More rolling strikes are planned in different parts of the country in the coming days.
Health New Zealand said more strike action is planned for Friday December 13th across the Bay of Plenty.