NHS Radiographers’ strike: When are they taking industrial action and why?

The union says that not enough radiographers are being recruited or retainers, leaving leaving a million patients waiting to be seen
A radiographer views images on a computer from an MRI scanner (PA)
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Lola Christina Alao3 October 2023

NHS radiographers will join consultants and junior doctors in strike action on Tuesday, October 3, rendering tens of thousands of patients will be unable to have scans.

The industrial action will take place from 8am across England, which means patients using cancer, A&E, and maternity services will have limited chances of getting scans or X-rays.

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “Thousands of patients are at risk of not getting the scans and X-rays they need, this will include non-urgent activity such as some fracture clinics and GP walk-ins also being cancelled and rebooked due to staff shortages with patients asked to come back for their X-ray on another day if it is not urgent.

“We know that these rearranged and cancelled appointments will contribute to the backlogs and could add further delays for elective recovery and could also potentially increase waits in emergency departments and increase the length of stay in hospital.”

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director, said: “Action by radiographers will undoubtedly add to the disruption caused by industrial action this week.”

However, he added that the NHS would be giving priority to critical care, so patients should still turn up for their X-ray or scan unless they have been told otherwise.

When are radiographers striking?

Radiographers are striking for 24 hours from 8am on Tuesday, 3 October to 8am on Wednesday, 4 October

Why are radiographers striking?

Radiographers across England are taking industrial action after talks between government ministers and the Society of Radiographers broke down.

The SoR claims it has seen a 32 per cent real-terms fall in income since 2008, with staff shortages causing burnout.

Dean Rogers, SoR director of industrial strategy, said: “Taking strike action is never an easy decision. This is especially true for radiography professionals, who dedicate themselves to providing the best possible care for patients – despite working long hours for pay that has been falling behind average wages for years.

“The average weekly earnings for our members have only increased by 23 per cent since 2008 – compared with an average weekly increase of 55 per cent.

“Many radiography professionals are feeling burnt out by low pay and increased hours. They’re leaving the NHS, and they are not being replaced in adequate numbers."

Mr Rogers also explained that too few radiographers were being recruited or retained right now, leaving a million patients waiting to be seen by a radiographer – often delaying critical diagnosis and treatment for months.

“The government agreed to support a 6.5 per cent pay increase for other public-sector workers. This only highlights how inadequate and unfair the NHS 5 per cent deal is," he added.

"We will not allow those working in the NHS to become the poor relations among public sector workers. Radiography professionals should be offered a 6.5 to 7 per cent increase, in line with other public sector workers."

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