26 September 2019
MidCentral DHB contingency planning for Medical Imaging Technologists strike
Members of the public are being advised that there may be longer-than-usual wait times for radiographic services at
Palmerston North Hospital next week, as Medical Imaging Technologists (MITs) and Radiographic Assistants (RAs) plan to
strike.
MidCentral DHB has received notice for two intended periods of strike action by members of the Association of
Professionals and Executive Employees Inc (APEX) who are employed as Medical Imaging Technologists (MITs) and
Radiographic Assistants (RAs), and who are covered by bargaining initiated by APEX late last year.
The first proposed strike period will begin at 7am Monday, 30 September, and run for 24 hours until 7am on Tuesday, 1
October. The second strike period is scheduled to begin at 7am on Wednesday, 2 October and conclude at 7am on Thursday,
3 October.
This strike will occur at Palmerston North Hospital, and all associated services, and is part of a period of national
industrial action by APEX members. The strike action will affect MidCentral DHB’s ability to offer radiographic services
over the two 24-hour periods.
Operations Executive, Acute and Elective Specialist Services, Lyn Horgan said radiographic services will be available
for emergency cases that are life or limb preserving, but all other services, with the exception of ultrasound, will be
suspended during the strike period.
“We respect the right of these staff members to take industrial action, and our focus during this time will be to ensure
a minimal amount of impact on people who require our services. We’ve worked closely with APEX to ensure the provision of
Life Preserving Services during the strike period, however we must apologise in advance to anyone whose non urgent
appointment or procedure is delayed due to this action.”
Ms Horgan said a number of patient appointments will need to be postponed during the strike period, but those affected
will be contacted directly to have their procedure rescheduled.
MITs are qualified healthcare professionals who produce medical images of the body, using radiation, to help clinicians
diagnose and treat illness and injury. RAs assist the team with patient care and flow within the department.
ends