Perth radiology cancellations 'ongoing'

Radiology appointments at a Perth hospital will continue to be cancelled until staffing problems are addressed following industrial action by union members.

Radiographers at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital started cancelling services on Tuesday in protest over what they describe as chronic understaffing.

The West Australian branch of the Health Services Union said staff regularly worked 16-hour days, which was causing significant fatigue issues.

Secretary Dan Hill said hospital management had recognised the department was understaffed and proposed that all outpatient appointments, other than critical and country patients, continued to be cancelled until new staff could be appointed.

Mr Hill said the hospital would have to apply to the Health Department for an exemption to a state government hiring freeze to allow the extra staff to be employed.

The freeze was announced last month and will run until July 1.

Mr Hill said negotiations continued regarding roster changes that would increase the number of hours the radiology department operates.