SDHB prepares for technologists' strike

Some elective procedures, outpatient appointments and radiology scans may be postponed over the next two weeks as the Southern District Health Board tries to keep patients safe and cared for, during the Medical Imaging Technologists' (MIT) strike action.

The DHB has received strike notices from the Association of Professional and Executive Employees (Apex) union and these include a full withdrawal of labour on October 30 and November 1, and partial withdrawals of labour for periods on October 29, October 31 and November 4.

Southern DHB chief executive Chris Fleming said MITs were qualified healthcare professionals who carried out a wide range of X-rays and scans to help clinicians diagnose and treat illness and injury.

"The DHB is once again contingency-planning to minimise the impact of the strike on the communities and patients it serves, and to safely sustain
as many services as possible during the union's proposed strikes."

He said if the strikes went ahead, some planned procedures, outpatient appointments and radiology scans might be postponed. Patients would be contacted directly if their appointments or clinics were postponed.

"Anyone with a life-threatening situation will still have access to the X-ray or scan they need.

"Southern DHB has an arrangement with the union that enables staff who would otherwise be on strike, to provide emergency care if needed."

He said patients going to emergency departments, who did not have a life-threatening situation, would be assessed and treated by medical staff, but might be required to come back at a later date to have a scan or be sent to a private radiology service for their X-ray or scan.

"We appreciate the patience and understanding of those whose care has been disrupted by the strikes, and thank all our staff who have been involved for planning for the strike action to ensure patients are safe and cared for."

Apex strike effect:

• The SDHB employs 53 MITs at Dunedin Hospital, 28 at Southland Hospital and eight at Lakes District Hospital.
• The strike will affect all services provided by MITs at Dunedin, Southland and Lakes District Hospitals, and all community-based health services (including Dunedin Urgent Doctors).
• Sonographers who provide ultrasound scans are not affected by this strike and will continue to work as usual.
• Breast-screening mammography provided by BreastScreen Otago Southland will continue as usual.