This was designed to prompt patients and members of the public to ask about the conditions they worked in, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis type of action is effective. It allows us to keep alive our message about the need for better and safer staffing.\u201d<\/p>\n
When patients, their family members and friends saw them dressed differently, they usually asked about their clothes, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat gives us the chance to tell them about Te Whatu Ora and the Government refusing to fix the unsafe staffing crisis we\u2019re experiencing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Snowden said Taup\u014d district nurses were short of about six staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing short-staffed means we have to ration care. We can\u2019t see everyone when we need to and have to rush the appointments of those we can get to.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re often working late, unpaid. It\u2019s just stressful as we have to triage on a daily basis who we can and can\u2019t see. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not fair on our patients and their wh\u0101nau.\u201d<\/p>\n
Health NZ responds<\/p>\n
A Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora spokesperson said it remained committed to reaching a settlement with the NZNO.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are continuing to work with the NZNO in good faith and will resume bargaining in mid-February.\u201d<\/p>\n
The spokesperson said the agency acknowledged the concerns of Taup\u014d district nurses, and \u201cpatient safety and staff wellbeing are our top priority\u201d.<\/p>\n
Health NZ was working alongside the Lakes district nursing service to address the concerns raised.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe value the significant contribution of our nursing workforce and remain dedicated to ensuring we have the right staff and skill mix to deliver quality and safe patient care.\u201d<\/p>\n
Health NZ was asked what recruitment efforts were in place for nurses at Taup\u014d Hospital.<\/p>\n
In July, about 800 Rotorua NZNO union members went on strike for 24 hours<\/a> as they called for more resources and safe staffing.<\/p>\n Local NZNO members also joined the October mega-strike<\/a> in Rotorua for the same cause.<\/p>\n