Strike Impact Minimal for Most Patients

17 April 07

Strike Impact Minimal for Most Patients

People with appointments at Tauranga or Whakatane Hospitals should be turning up on time unless they have been contacted by staff and rescheduled.

So far, industrial action by medical radiation technologists (MRTs) has not resulted in any rescheduling of elective surgery or clinic appointments. For elective patients, it is business as usual.

Strike Coordinator, Kerrie Freeman, says x-ray services are still available at Tauranga and Whakatane Hospitals. “While the medical radiation technologists are ‘working to rule’ during the weekdays, they have not walked off the job. We are still seeing most patients for x-rays, CT and ultrasound appointments,” she says.

For people with outpatient appointments, in departments such as orthopaedics, there is no change unless they hear otherwise.

“If people haven’t heard from us, their appointments are still booked and we expect to see them at the allotted time.”

If members of the public have any concerns about their appointment they can call 0800 333 477 In addition to work-to-rule during weekdays, MRT’s have withdrawn labour overnight and on weekends until 7 May, with the exception of Anzac Day. Agreements have been secured with the Apex union for members to provide life-preserving services if required. The emergency departments at both hospitals remain open as usual.

“Our emergency departments are open for emergencies, 365 days a year,” says Mrs Freeman. “We have increased staffing in our Emergency Departments to ensure we can still effectively treat anyone who needs life-preserving care.”

Mrs Freeman says that patients who do not have a life-threatening condition, but do require an x-ray, may experience some delays if they come to the Emergency Department after hours or during weekends. “Our message regarding the Emergency Department is the same as always – keep ED for emergencies”.

For a recorded message about the strike action, please call 07 579 8454 for Tauranga Hospital or 07 306 0960 for Whakatane Hospital.….

ENDS

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