DHBs are coping well with today's nurses' strike, and it's a testament to the work they've put into contingency plans over the past three months, Capital and Coast DHB chief medical officer Dr John Tait says.
Tait spoke at a press conference this afternoon, thanking staff who had come in to work to provide life-preserving services during the strike, which began at 7am.
He said a number of extra staff and volunteers had come in to help today.
Tairawhiti DHB chief executive Jim Green, who is also a nurse, said he was in his hospital this morning when the nurses walked out, and that it was "a very orderly process".
He appreciated the care the nurses took in making sure cases were handed over properly to those who were remaining to work.
