The West Coast District Health Board has received note from the Association of Professionals and Executive Employees (APEX) that radiographers will not be available for after-hours work for one week commencing Monday 15 March.

This action affects after-hours services at Grey Base Hospital and Buller Health. Patients requiring medical imaging (X ray, ultrasound or CT scans) may have fractures stabilised and be sent home or to a ward before having their imaging performed during normal hours.

The industrial action affects Grey Base Hospital from 6pm until 8am and Buller Health from 4pm until 8.30am each weekday and also the weekend of 20-21 March.

The only imaging available during this time is for "Life Preserving Services" which are strictly defined.