A national industrial action, organized by Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) and their APEX Union, will take place next Tuesday the 7th of September, starting from 7 am, till 7 am on
Wednesday the 8th of September. The strike means that X-ray service will be stopped in CDHB hospitals during the time of the strike. A larger number of hospitals will have their X-ray services affected by the strike, such as Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch Women’s Hospital, Burwood Hospital and Ashburton Hospital. Moreover, some previously scheduled appointments for pre-surgical radiology examinations have been postponed. Dr.Nigel Millar, CDHB Chief Medical Officer, said “Members of the public affected by this action are being contacted and we will be doing all we can to minimize the impact of the strike on people in hospital. Our number one consideration in preparing for this strike is patients, maintaining urgent care and minimizing risks to them” Dr. Millar noted that according to a previous agreement with APEX Union, people with serious conditions will undergo X-ray examinations at hospitals. Yet, patients with less serious conditions are going to be sent to radiology service in the community. It is expected that waiting times for receiving X-ray services are going to be extended longer than usual. Dr. Millar said “Thank you to the public in advance for being patient with any longer wait times or delays in the next week. After the strike is over, it will take us some time to catch up on work that cannot be done on Tuesday,”
