The Waikato District Health Board (DHB) has been engaged in contract discussion with radiographers' union Apex for some time now. The strike that resulted from the breakdown in talks in April's is starting to take a significant toll.

The DHB reported that the striking radiographers are having a serious impact on patients and putting significant pressure on the other staff. Craig Climo, the Chief Executive of Waikato DHB, says they are fed up.

"We want the public to know that we've had enough. The strikes are having a significant cumulative effect on patients' access to services and are putting unfair pressure on other staff".

Mr. Climo insists that the DHBs are not at fault; the industrial action was brought about by "those people who think medical radiation technologists are worth more than nurses and other front line health professionals".

The Chief Executive announced plans to front a campaign that will publicise the message that striking radiographers are effectively holding essential services to ransom.

The union has issued hundreds of strike notices since August. Apex is demanding backdated pay for its members, as well as time for professional development courses. The union has rejected offers of a 1% pay increase in April and another 1% increase in October.