On February 11, the Otago Daily Times obtained a copy of the confidential "proposal of change" document distributed to staff that included proposed staffing restructuring and the reconfiguration of the hospital's layout to increase efficiency.
Under the 18-page proposal, the number of full-time equivalent nursing roles would be reduced, meaning additional responsibilities for senior nurses on duty and an increase in healthcare assistants.
Administration, occupational therapy, orderly and cleaning roles are also affected.
Waitaki Community Hospital Action Group chairwoman Janice Clayton confirmed the group had organised a picket and planned to meet at the Takaro Park side of the hospital at 11.45am, before the peaceful, hour-long picket started at 12pm.
Mrs Clayton said its purpose was to "support our hospital staff who have been placed under extreme duress due to the Waitaki District Health Services Ltd restructure proposal".
"Staff support will be the sole focus of the picket," she said.
"We have grave concerns that this restructure is being run by a group who do not have knowledge of this community and its needs. They had a real opportunity to put forward a positive vision and plan to the community including staffing. Instead, they have lost the trust of the community and their credibility with this negative offering."
The group described itself as an "outcomes-focused independent action group" made up of 20 members, some who formerly had ties to the hospital and other health services.
It was formed to address concerns that had been expressed by the public that the Waitaki District Council-controlled company that owns and operates the hospital was not using appropriate processes and procedures to support staff as part of its proposed staffing restructure.
