The nation-wide two day full withdrawal of labour on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 November has resulted in 30 patients' radiology appointments at Wanganui Hospital being postponed.

The industrial actions to date have been designed to disrupt the operation of the hospital and affect patients with minimal loss of pay for the employees involved.

The Whanganui District Health Board has estimated that the Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) industrial action, over the past three months, has cost $157,000 and as more strike notices are received the figure will increase.

Whanganui District Health Board Medical Advisor, Dr John Rivers said today, that the industrial action is having a significant impact on patients and health services.

“This is not 'low-level' action. The strike is affecting patient's access to services and putting unfair pressure on other staff, Dr Rivers said.

 “To date we have successfully managed the risk of adverse outcomes due to the strike. Life and limb preserving services have been available throughout the strike. However, the longer the strike continues the greater the chance of patient safety being compromised.”

A total 678 notices of industrial action have been received nationwide. The Whanganui District Health Board has received 62 notices, with four new ones received this week.

As a consequence of the new strike notices, there will be no after hours radiology service, MRTs are refusing to receive faxed referrals, there are no radiology services for ACC patients and staff go-slows until the 25 November 2010.

All radiographers employed by Whanganui District Health Board are members of the APEX Union and all are involved in the current series of strike actions.