Radiation therapists to strike

At least 500 cancer patients across the country will face treatment delays due to industrial action by radiation therapists starting tomorrow.

The therapists intend to strike for three days, causing delays which could affect patients for up to three weeks.

District health boards have assured patients that those in the middle of treatment will still receive the clinically recommended dosage, but this could see some people getting treated twice on non-strike days.

MidCentral health spokesman Scott Crowley said patients would be squeezed in where possible.

"It's based on resources available. It's based on the need -- it's individual, so those with the highest need, it's case by case, but we'll be looking to fit them in as soon as we can."

The therapists union said they had agreed to treat more than 100 life-threatening cases across the country.

The therapists walked off the job for 14 hours last month after their claim for a five per cent cost-of-living rise was rejected. About 500 cancer patients were affected.

Association of Professional and Executive Employees (Apex) secretary Deborah Powell said the health boards had not changed their position.

"They're still making the zero offer, and obviously it's not acceptable for the radiation therapists."

Dr Powell said the increase was necessary to retain skilled staff, and keep pace with cost-of-living rises since their last settlement in 2002.

But a spokeswoman for the boards, Lareen Cooper, said radiation therapists were already getting a pay increase as part of their 2002 package.

In addition, work conditions for therapists had improved, with no current shortage of therapists.

- NZPA