About 50 patients
have had Dunedin Hospital radiology or mammography
appointments rescheduled as a result of next week's planned
industrial action by medical radiation technologists.
Bookings were not taken for a further 262 appointments in
readiness for the expected action.
Otago District Health Board diagnostic and support services
group manger Sonja Dillon said contingency plans for the
action had focused on minimising risk to patients and staff.
During those times when labour was withdrawn or services
limited, the board had an arrangement with the Association of
Professional and Executive Employees for life-preserving
cover.
The 51 technologists are withdrawing labour for all services
between noon and 2pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
During those times, the radiology department will be closed.
Life-preserving cover would apply to situations such as
emergency X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI), angiography and ultrasound.
The technologists' action would also involve withdrawing
labour for CT scans, MRI, digital subtraction angiography and
ultrasound from 5pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to 8am
the following days.
Ms Dillon said patients whose appointments had been affected
had been contacted.
About 800 technologists are taking a variety of industrial
actions around the country this month in protest at District
Health Boards New Zealand's nil wage-increase offer.
Their multi-employer collective agreement expired last
September and while the union says it has reduced its
original claim, the district health board has not moved.
- elspeth.mclean@odt.co.nz
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