A little after an hour after members of the Fiji Nursing Association walked off their jobs, hospitals around the country are still in operation but with skeletal staff.

When Village News visited the different departments at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, the strike walk out was evident with just a few nurses present.

Close to a hundred nurses from the St Giles hospital, PJ Toomi and the CWM hospital walked off their jobs at midnight and have gathered at the FNA Head Quarters on McGregor Rd.

We have also received confirmation from the other two major hospitals in Labasa and Lautoka that FNA members have walked off their jobs from 12pm and the contingency plan that has been put in place by the Health Ministry is in operation.

They could not give further details whether this has affected the operation of the hospital as they have directed all queries to the national task force which has been set up by the health authorities.

The other health centers in the country in Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Nadi, Sigatoka, Navua , Nausori, Wainibokasi, Vunidawa, Levuka, Savusavu and Nabouwalu are in operation but without the FNA members.

Those nurses in these centers could only say that the effects of the strike by the FNA members could be felt in rush hour this morning.

When Village News visited the FNA Headquarters, FNA General Secretary, Kuini Lutua was not present but is expected to arrive soon.

The FNA rejected the offer from the interim regime yesterday afternoon, as they refused to settle for the one percent restoration of the five percent pay cut.

Speaking to Village news, Interim Public Service Minister Bune said they are shocked that their offer has been rejected.