Members of the New Zealand Resident Doctors' Association began a five-day stop-work on Monday, marking a further escalation in the bitter dispute between the union and DHBs over employment terms and conditions.
''Hospitals are busy, as are our emergency departments, but staff are ably dealing with the situation, ensuring patients have the best care possible,'' SDHB chief executive Chris Fleming said.
''Our contingency plans are proving to be effective and our services are running as smoothly as possible with reduced clinical staff.''
Health Minister David Clark told Parliament on Tuesday approximately 38% of house officers and 72% of registrars had made themselves available for work.
''I am advised that preliminary planning estimates are that 1513 elective procedures and 776 other procedures have been deferred.
''People are missing out on planned care as a result of the strike, and that's why I am urging both DHBs and the Resident Doctors' Association to make the most of facilitation to find a resolution urgently.''
Dr Clark said he felt sorry for anyone who had planned care delayed because of industrial action, and could imagine how frustrating that would be.
''I am confident that DHBs are doing everything they can to minimise the impact on patients and to reschedule those procedures that have been delayed.
''It is why it is so important that both sides turn up this week, prepared for facilitation and ready to find a solution to this dispute.''
Asked by National health spokesman Michael Woodhouse if he would step in to ensure the dispute was resolved, Dr Clark said no-one wanted to see patients miss out on services, and it was disappointing strike action had been taken when facilitation was scheduled.
''In the end, what is needed here is a resolution that will work for both the DHBs and the Resident Doctors' Association.''
The Council of Trade Unions says it is in everyone's interest there is a swift resolution to the dispute.
''These negotiations appear to be deadlocked and it is critical a breakthrough is achieved,'' CTU president Richard Wagstaff said yesterday.
''The urgent facilitation is the best opportunity for the parties to find an enduring solution.
''There have been several important settlements in the DHB sector over the past few months which have involved breakthrough agreements on key issues like pay equity. A breakthrough is needed here also,'' Mr Wagstaff said.
