Northland District Health Board chief executive Dr Nick Chamberlain said there would be an impact on elective surgery lists today with the potential for four surgeries to be postponed in order to manage acute clinical cases postponed from yesterday.There are 24 elective surgeries booked on October 11 and a further 15 on October 17.
The anaesthetic technicians are calling for better working conditions, including more pay and adequate staffing levels.
They check and maintain the anaesthetic machines and other related equipment, ensure appropriate equipment and drugs are available and assist with inserting airway devices.
While anaesthetic technicians work predominantly in operating theatres, they are called upon to work in any area where an anaesthetic may be given, including CT, MRI and radiology, ED and intensive care.
There are 19 anaesthetic technicians currently employed by Northland DHB while five more are needed, some of which are filled by short-term roles.
Dr Chamberlain said the vacancies were "recent" and there were all sorts of reasons for that, including anaesthetic technicians taking up well-paid offers from the private sector.
Talks last week between APEX and Northland DHB, which is offering a pay rise of 2.43 per cent, broke down but both parties are expected to continue discussion in the coming weeks.
APEX national secretary Dr Deborah Powell said more pay and issues such as additional leave and professional development were at the forefront of talks between both parties.
"The private sector is paying anaesthetic technicians $20,000 to $30,000 more than what they earn at DHBs. At this point in time, Northland DHB will have to put more money on the table," she said.
Dr Chamberlain is disappointed both sides were unable to reach a settlement and is unsure what else the Northland DHB can do after looking at various recruitment and retention options.
He said since the introduction of a second acute theatre in July 2018, there was an average of seven patients whose elective surgery was postponed or cancelled every week if patients are unwell, acute demand in theatre has reduced availability or because of staff illness.
"We are planning to build two new operating theatres which will address our current operating theatre constraints. We are also hoping to commence twilight operating sessions to increase capacity temporarily until these theatres are built," he said.