The Capital District Health Authority says emergency rooms will remain open but most clinics outside hospitals will be closed in the event of a strike by about 3,700 workers.

The health board held a news conference today to provide an update on what services will be available if the unionized workers go on strike Wednesday.

Capital Health CEO Chris Power says emergency rooms will be fully staffed, but outpatient services such as diagnostic imaging, blood work and physiotherapy will be affected.

Dr. David Kirkpatrick, chief of surgery, says elective surgery patients are being notified of cancellations, but those who need emergency surgery will be treated.

The workers want a 5.1 per cent raise in the first year to match an arbitrator’s award for registered nurses, and cost of living increases for the remaining years of a three-year contract.

Capital Health offered an annual one per cent pay increase for three years.

The union represents workers in a range of jobs, including nurses, occupational therapists, medical lab technicians and social workers.

The provincial government has appointed a mediator to help the union and management reach a settlement.

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The full briefing from Capital Health is posted online for viewing.