The online ballot has just closed for nurses voting on a revised pay offer that will decide whether or not this week's planned strikes go ahead.
But the effects of the scheduled industrial action are already being felt.
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Dunedin grandmother Maggie Garden was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, and was due for a major surgery last week.
"[I'll] lose 40 percent of my liver, lose my gallbladder, some lymph nodes and part of my bowel - not sure how much until I get in there."
The surgery, which she had mentally prepared for, was cancelled ahead of last week's planned nurses strike - a strike that was itself eventually cancelled.
"I burst into tears," Mrs Garden says. "I just want it over and done with. I am tired, I have had enough."
There will be hundreds in her situation as district health boards (DHBs) continue to plan for Thursday's strike - one that could still be averted.
Nurses have just finished voting on a revised offer from DHBs that promises improved pay and working conditions. The results will be known tomorrow, but it's expected to be close.
Contingency plans for the strike are well underway, with many non-essential services cancelled to reduce the number of patients in hospitals.
For example, Palmerston North would need to reschedule 450 appointments, while Waikato DHB may have to cancel 60 surgeries.
"There's a lot of uncertainty because this strike is unprecedented," says Ian Powell from the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS).
Nurses make up around 60 percent of the hospital workforce. Many of their duties could fall to doctors, which Mr Powell says ASMS members should be compensated for.
"Senior doctors are stepping up to do what they can, for a dispute that they are not party to."
But it's a dispute he says members understand.
"Doctors certainly sympathise and support what the nurses are trying to achieve."
As does Mrs Garden, who says nurses do an amazing job. Donations can be made to her Givealittle page here.
Newshub.
