Calls for the Government to step into the junior doctors' pay talks with district health boards before tomorrow's strike received no response from Health Minister David Cunliffe yesterday.
Both sides of the dispute continued their war of words yesterday, with no indication they will meet before the next 48-hour strike by 2400 junior doctors, due to start tomorrow morning.
New Zealand Medical Association chairman Peter Foley said the Government must intervene, using its influence to assist the parties to resolve the dispute, and then work with the medical profession to find solutions to the major workforce issues facing the profession.
National Party health spokesman Tony Ryall agreed, saying the effect on patients was being forgotten in the midst of the blame game and it was time the Government got the parties around the table.
Mr Cunliffe, who has previously said he is not a bargaining agent, issued a statement critical of the resident doctors' stand, calling on both sides to resume real and constructive discussions.
New Zealand Resident Doctors Association national secretary Deborah Powell reiterated more strikes were possible if there was no increase in the district health boards offer to junior doctors.The junior doctors are seeking a 10% increase over three years, while the boards have offered 4.25%.
Yesterday, the parties were at odds over whether the board's offer, which included the setting up of an independent commission to explore issues affecting junior doctors, was similar to the senior doctors' settlement (which is still to be ratified).
Dr Powell said the offer did not include lump sum payments and other benefits proposed for senior doctors. She dismissed the commission proposal as a delaying tactic which would not help settle the contract.
If the boards had genuinely made an offer consistent with the senior doctors' settlement, then an agreement would have been possible last week.
Boards spokesman Davie Meates said comparisons between the senior and junior doctors contracts were erroneous.
''You simply cannot compare the terms and conditions of the apprentice to those that apply to the teacher.''
Dunedin Hospital has been scaling down its elective surgery since the end of last week so that as many patients as possible can be discharged by tomorrow.
Acute surgery will be carried out as required during the strike, and there will be limited out-patient services at Wakari and Dunedin
Hospitals.
Patients affected by changes to the various services have been advised.
