Arrangements to cope with industrial action by medical
radiation technologists (MRTs) at Otago District Health Board
have gone smoothly so far.
Board diagnostic and support services group manager Sonja
Dillon said one call had been made for life-preserving cover
while the technologists were offering limited overnight
service.
Decisions to call in a technologist in such circumstances
involved discussion between the relevant consultants and a
radiologist making the approach to the technologist, she
said.
The industrial action resulted in rescheduling 50 radiology
or mammography appointments.
Bookings were not taken for a further 262 appointments.
The action, involving the 51 MRTs withdrawing labour for all
services for two hours on three days this week and limiting
overnight cover, will end tomorrow morning.
The technologists, who are members of the Association of
Professional and Executive Employees (Apex), are seeking a 3%
pay increase.
District Health Boards New Zealand has offered no increase,
and technologists say their increased productivity is not
being recognised.
About 800 technologists around the country are taking
industrial action this month in a variety of ways.
- elspeth.mclean@odt.co.nz
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