With the decision of medical radiation technologists to carry on with the strike for the first two weekends of October, it is likely that the emergency department of Nelson Hospital will meet delay.

The strike would be continued overnight this week. Nelson hospital could seek assistance of radiographers between 4.30pm on Friday until 8am on Monday, only if there is serious emergency or risk of death.

“The strike would have an impact on all people going to Nelson Hospital's emergency department on the weekends and on the Mondays after the strike”, said James Bowyer, NMDHB clinical services District Manager.

He added that there could be delays in ED and radiology on Monday morning.

There are no strikes on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights, unlike the past weeks. Otherwise the strike will linger on between 4.30pm on Friday and 8am on Monday at both Wairau Hospital and Nelson Hospital. The radiographers serve in general X-ray, computed tomography (CT scans), angiography and ultrasound.

At Wairau Hospital ultrasound centre, there will be availability of on-request services of radiographers on weekends.

Those patients who could not be entertained in radiology on weekends due to the strike would be provided as much comfort as they can and they could come back on Monday to get the treatment, as expressed by Nelson Marlborough District Health Board communications Katherine Rocks.