Q. What is a Medical Imaging Technologist?
Medical Imaging Technologists are responsible for gathering images through X-rays, CT (computed tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans and other medical images. These images are then used by doctors and other health care professionals to diagnose or more closely examine medical issues, concerns or conditions.
Q. I am pregnant. Will I still be able to have my ultrasound scan?
Yes, you will, ultrasound scans are carried out by sonographers who are not striking.
Q. I am booked to have an echocardiogram, will I still have it?
Yes, echocardiograms are also performed by a sonographer and they are not going on strike.
Q. What is LPS?
LPS stands for Life Preserving Services. In the case of the Medical Imaging Technologist strike, it relates to any investigation deemed to be necessary to protect life, limbs or prevent permanent disability.
Q. How many x-rays are done at Gisborne Hospital each day?
Approximately 70 x-rays and 25 CT Scans are done each day.
Q. When is the Gisborne Hospital fracture clinic?
Fracture clinics are usually held Monday - Friday. There will still be clinics during the strike, however, x-rays may be deferred until after the strike.
Q. What if I have an accident and break my arm on while the strike is on?
Go and see the GP or Medical Centre you are enrolled with.
They will assess you and then refer you to TRG Imaging (at Three Rivers Medical) for an x-ray. This will be paid for by ACC. Your GP will then ask you to come back to the Medical Centre to get a cast on or refer you to ED where the doctors at the hospital will look at the x-rays taken by TRG Imaging and decide what to do next.
Q. Medical Imaging Technologists are not on strike during the weekend. Why can’t I get an x-ray then?
Radiology is always an on-call service at Gisborne Hospital during weekends and public holidays. If we were to offer a full radiology service on weekends during the strike It would be considered in bad faith and not supportive of our colleagues right to strike.
Q. I have an appointment at Gisborne Hospital during the strike. Should I still go?
Yes. Appointments have only been made for people who do not require an x-ray. In the unlikely event that your appointment is changed, you will be contacted directly by phone and/or text.
Q. I am booked to have surgery at Gisborne Hospital during the strike. Should I still go?
Yes. Only people who are unlikely to need an x-ray are booked for surgery during the strike. In the unlikely event that your surgery booking is changed, you will be contacted directly by phone and/or text.
Q. What will happen if someone is really sick or has been in a bad accident?
Our number one consideration is always patient safety and our ability to respond to emergency situations. If someone’s life or limb is at risk, and an x-ray or scan is needed to make a clinical decision, this will happen. Where life and limb are at risk a ‘gatekeeper’ will decide (based on criteria) if an x-ray or image is vital. If it is, a Medical Imaging Technologist will be on call.