Hospitals and health services across Christchurch will be impacted by a planned 24-hour strike involving nurses, healthcare assistants, and some midwives employed by Health New Zealand.

The strike, organised by the New Zealand Nurses Organisation is set to run from 9am on Wednesday 30 July to 9am on Thursday 31 July, and will affect all Health New Zealand hospitals and facilities in the region where NZNO members are employed.

A Health New Zealand spokesperson said contingency plans were in place to ensure critical care services remain available.

“Our teams are preparing to maintain acute and emergency services during the strike period. This includes maternity care, intensive care, emergency departments, and ambulance services. Patients currently in hospital will continue to receive care and support,” the spokesperson said.

Most non-urgent outpatient appointments, surgeries, and procedures in Canterbury are expected to be rescheduled, and affected patients will be contacted directly.

“Anyone who does not hear from the hospital should attend their appointment as usual.”

The public is being asked to use emergency departments only for life-threatening conditions and to seek non-urgent advice through Healthline (0800 611 116), GPs, after-hours clinics, or pharmacists.

Aged residential care facilities, GPs, hospice services, and St John Ambulance are not affected by the strike and will operate as normal.

Friends and family of hospital patients are encouraged to provide support during the strike period by checking in with charge nurses and helping with visits where appropriate.