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Health Minister Pete Hodgson has admitted that the laboratory workers' strike has compromised the safety of patients and says even his own mother has been affected. The seven-day strike by 1200 medical laboratory workers is due to end this morning.
National's health spokesman, Tony Ryall, questioned Mr Hodgson in Parliament yesterday, and the minister conceded the latest strike to hit the health sector had been more difficult than others. "It is clear that people's care is being compromised and/or delayed," Mr Hodgson said.
Mr Ryall listed a number of people who had seriously needed surgery which was delayed, to which Mr Hodgson responded: "My own mother is in the same position, I might say."
Throughout the week, patients have been repeatedly urged to see their GP or after-hours medical centre in the first instance, as pressure on laboratory services and emergency departments remained high.
The Medical Laboratory Workers Union members began industrial action on November 29 after pay negotiations with employers reached a deadlock.
The labs involved were the New Zealand Blood Service, district health boards nationwide, Wellington Pathology, Medlab South and Southern Community Laboratories.
The lab workers want a 5 per cent pay rise per annum, while the boards' offer delivered an average of over 5.5 per cent over two years.
During the strike acutely unwell patients had received necessary tests; others had been asked to return later.
Mr Hodgson said he believed the backlog of surgery could be cleared by Christmas. However, he could not rule out another strike by then and urged both parties to settle.
- NZPA
