WDHB prepares for radiographers' strike | Manawatu-Wanganui News | Local News in Manawatu-Wanganui

Wanganui Hospital services will be stretched on September 7 when its radiographers take part in a national 24-hour strike.

The strike follows industrial stoppages by medical radiation technologists (MRTs), who carry out x-rays, imaging and scans.

About 1000 MRTs have been involved in rolling industrial action that started on July 29 over a lack of progress in pay talks, but the decision to strike came after four radiographers employed by Counties-Manukau DHB were suspended on Monday.

Jannel Carter, communications officer at the Whanganui District Health Board, said the action had caused inconvenience to patients with appointments having to be rescheduled and waiting times had increased.

Ms Carter said some patients had decided to use private services at their own cost.

"If we need to postpone any appointments scheduled for September 7 we will notify patients directly," she said.

She said the WDHB had done everything possible to minimise risk to patients during the strike.

"Life and limb preserving services have been available throughout the industrial action and we have requested that this service is also available for the total withdrawal of labour on September 7.

"Life and limb preserving services ensure that patients whose lives are at risk or who face permanent disability receive the appropriate radiology examination in a timely manner."

She said all radiographers employed by Whanganui DHB are members of Apex and are involved in the current series of strike actions.

Deborah Powell, Apex national secretary, said the strike would be the first time radiographers had taken such national action.

She said members were outraged over the Counties Manukau DHB suspensions, and said members at Waitemata and Auckland DHBs had also been threatened with suspension.