More delays expected
Industrial action by radiologists seeking better pay is expected to cause widespread delays at Northland hospitals over the next three weeks.
The disruptions, which started Friday morning,   will mean patients with the greatest need will be treated first.
Northland District Health Board public relations manager Fleur King  said 25 medical radiation technologists - 20 from Whangarei Hospital, three in Kaitaia and two in the Bay of Islands- have given notice of industrial action.
They are members of the Association of Professional and Executive Employees.
Despite the setback, Ms King said no elective surgery had been cancelled as of yesterday  because bookings were not set down for the period of industrial action.
Patients who had concerns about their appointments should ring the hospital, she said.
Radiographers will adhere to minimum length of time for each service and withdraw overtime.
From Tuesday, Ms King said there would be complete withdrawal of service. NDHB clinical services general manager Dr Nick Chamberlain said although contingency planning was under way to minimise disruption to patients, some patient clinics and elective surgery would be rescheduled.
The strike would affect all patients who needed an x-ray or scan, he said.
Dr Chamberlain said  full services would return after September 22.
 
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