Radiographers ready to strike next week

Frustrated MidCentral Health radiographers will join staff from 19 other District Health Boards in strike action next week, with patients set to be reshuffled around the wage-related dispute.

All of Palmerston North Hospital's radiography staff will stay at home on Tuesday, September 7.

Chief executive Murray Georgel said most elective services will be closed. Patient safety was of utmost concern.

"We will be able to maintain only the very minimum services during the strike and all outpatient clinics will be closed... this action will have a more drastic affect on services we can provide because there can be no support from neighbouring DHBs."

Some services, like elective surgery, would close before the strike date to lower the number of patients in the hospital when the strike starts.

The endoscopy unit, breastscreening services, GP referrals for radiology, and nuclear medicine, would also be closed. The emergency department, intensive care unit, and acute surgery, would stay open.

- © Fairfax NZ News