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SIPTU says jobs moratorium will cripple radiology services in the public health system

Date Released: 23 Apr 2009

“The recently enforced recruitment moratorium will cripple radiology services within the health service if not reversed”, Health Professional Branch Organiser Kevin Figgis has warned. “The moratorium has already erased many previously approved positions and, with recruitment at a stand still, many vital positions within the profession are not being filled.

“In some hospitals staffing levels have already fallen by 25 per cent below those previously approved”, he added. “This will inevitably result in delays for patients currently awaiting radiology services. While members will always aspire to ensure patients receive the best possible treatment, the combination of increased work levels and falling staff numbers will inevitably increase the risks for patients.

“Many of our members have contacted our office to advise us that despite going through interviews, providing references and Garda clearance, their appointment will now not be made. We have cases where members left employment in one hospital to take up another post within the HSE, only to be informed that they would not be appointed. As a result, critically required radiographers are joining the dole queues when they should be treating seriously ill patients.

“Unfortunately the health service has traditionally relied heavily on temporary workers to meet the basic daily demands that are made of it. Radiology has not been exempted from this practice. Health Service employers have utilised temporary workers and acting up arrangements to ensure that the daily demands from service users can be met. Should the threat of the removal of temporary workers and acting up arrangements be realised, the service will not be in a position to meet the most basic demands.

“Critical positions within the profession of radiology such as Basic and Senior grade radiographers, Clinical Specialist Radiographers, Radiation Safety Officers and Radiography Service Managers remain unfilled throughout the Health Service. In addition, many posts currently filled are done so through temporary and acting up arrangements.

“The vulnerability of radiology services within the public health system should not be underestimated. Radiographers provide 24 hour cover, for both routine and emergency services, 365 days per year. Their services are central to the safe provision of clinical, medical and surgical care.”





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