No Routine X-rays in CDHB Hospitals Next Tuesday

No Routine X-rays in CDHB Hospitals Next Tuesday

Routine X-ray services will not be available in CDHB hospitals from 7am on Tuesday 7 September until 7am on Wednesday 8 September due to industrial action by Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) belonging to the APEX union.

All X-ray services at Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch Women’s Hospital, Burwood Hospital and Ashburton Hospital will be affected. Some scheduled appointments and pre-planned surgery requiring radiology services are being postponed.

“Members of the public affected by this action are being contacted and we will be doing all we can to minimise the impact of the strike on people in hospital,” CDHB Chief Medical Officer Nigel Millar said.

“Our number one consideration in preparing for this strike is patients – maintaining urgent care and minimising risks to them,” he said.

Under the agreement with the APEX Union, people with serious injuries will be able to receive a hospital X-ray.

However, anyone visiting their General Practice or the Emergency Department on Tuesday, who requires an X-ray for a less serious injury, should expect to be referred to a radiology service in the community, Dr Millar said.

Wait times in the Emergency Department are also expected to be longer than usual during this industrial action.

“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,” Dr Millar said

ENDS