Weeks of extensive planning to prepare for a 48-hour strike at Lakes DHB hospitals are causing no problems.

Lakes DHB acting chief executive Nick Saville-Wood processes in place to manage the strike were working well.

In apologising for the strike by resident medical officers (RMOs), Nick says safety of patients and staff was the main focus.

The strike began on Tuesday with RMOs striking at the Rotorua and Taupo hospitals.

About 93 RMOs are currently employed by Lakes DHB.

The RMOs – doctors from the first years after graduating to registrars in advanced stages of their training – began 48 hours of strike action at 7.00am this morning, Tuesday 15 January, to return on Thursday January 17.

NIck says the planning and support of staff including senior doctors, nurses, allied health workers, hospital managers and support staff is much appreciated, ensuring a robust contingency plan to manage emergency hospital services over the two days.

Any decisions about changes to services have been made to allow clinical staff to focus on those in most need.

'Lakes DHB apologises to patients whose healthcare plans are affected by the industrial action.

'The main focus of all our planning is the safety of patients and staff and ensuring those who need urgent health care over the 48 hours of the strike will get it,” says Nick.

Contingency planning focuses on ensuring the continuing provision of essential emergency services including acute surgery, emergency department care, intensive care, and maternity care.

Elective (planned) surgery for about 20 patients has been rescheduled, which means fewer admissions to hospital over the strike period.

Most new admissions to hospital will be for patients who have an accident and need emergency surgery or for services that cannot wait for example maternity services.

About 350 outpatient appointments have also been rescheduled to allow staff to focus on emergency services.

Patients affected by the strike have been told that their appointment had been rescheduled.

Patients uncertain of the appointment status should ring 0800 223 647 to check.

Urgent cases are being attended to at the emergency departments at Rotorua and Taupo hospitals.

People should ensure they are up to date with their prescriptions and other requirements.

Should they get into difficulty, they should make their GP or Lakes PrimeCare their first port of call. People can also contact Healthline 0800 611 116 for 24/7 advice and information from a registered nurse.