18th August 2023
Kia ora,
Re: Physiotherapists strike Tauranga and Whakatāne Hospitals
As you may be aware Physiotherapists who are members of the APEX union, based out of Tauranga and Whakatāne Hospitals, have issued strike notices for periods of approximately one month (Tauranga) and three weeks (Whakatāne) respectively.
What are the dates?
Tauranga
• Starts - 0730 hours on Friday 18 August
• Ends - 0730 hours on Monday 18 September
Whakatāne
• Starts - 0730 hours on Saturday 26 August
• Ends - 0730 hours on Monday 18 September
What is the impact?
It is important to note that physiotherapy services are still available at both locations throughout the above time periods.
The intended strike action is for a restriction of work processes and will affect inpatient, outpatient, and community services. The largest impact is expected to be on classes; and regrettably, several will need to be postponed.
The postponed classes are:
Balance, Post-Operation, Back, Hydrotherapy, Women’s Health, Adolescent Group, PreOperation Hip and Knee, and Workout Warriors.
We will communicate with patients and staff about the postponement of classes for one month. Cardiac Rehab and Pre-Op Education classes, which are nurse-led, can still go ahead however there will be no physiotherapy input.
There may be some delays in processing referrals, and we appreciate your patience as we work through these changes.
If you or your patients have any concerns, please call either of the numbers below to talk to a physiotherapist
• Tauranga Physiotherapy Reception 07 579 8441
• Whakatāne Physiotherapy Reception 07 306 0824
Ngā mihi,
Judi Riddell (Acting) Executive Director of Allied Health