Industrial dispute affects Perth CT scans

Radiology department workers at Perth's Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital are taking industrial action over concerns about chronic understaffing.

Health Services Union of Western Australia (HSUWA) secretary Dan Hill said CT scans had been cancelled for the rest of this week, however scans for patients from country areas or those with critical needs would still be carried out.

The union said it met with hospital management on Monday, but the parties were unable to come to an agreement on how to resolve the situation.

Mr Hill said members were regularly being forced to work double shifts to make up for a lack of staff.

"Radiographers are often working 16-hour shifts, which is causing major concerns in regards to fatigue," he said.

"Our members are worried that working while fatigued could compromise patient safety or lead to a clinical incident which could have serious consequences.

"They also have concerns about the safety issues involved with driving home after several 16 hour shifts."

Union members are waiting on details of a management proposal for increased staff that may address their concerns, he said.