The National Health Service (NHS) in parts of England is bracing for potential delays in x-rays, scans, and cancer treatment as radiographers plan a 48-hour walkout in a dispute over pay. The Society of Radiographers (SoR) trade union confirmed the strike action, highlighting concerns over staff shortages and inadequate recruitment.
Members of the union at 43 NHS trusts have voted in favour of the walkout, scheduled to take place from 8 am on 25 July to 8 am on 27 July. While the industrial action occurs, bank holiday levels of “life and limb” emergency cover will be provided to ensure patient safety.
The strike follows the rejection of the government’s pay offer of 5% plus a non-consolidated lump sum for 2022-23 in an indicative ballot conducted by the union. Affected NHS trusts include University College London Hospitals, the Royal Marsden, Liverpool University Hospitals, Nottingham University Hospitals, and University Hospitals Bristol.
Although a majority of members were in favour of striking at over 150 trusts, the required turnout threshold was not reached in many cases. The union has sent letters to the affected trusts to inform them of the strike.
Radiographers play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating patients, including carrying out scans such as X-rays and MRIs, as well as providing radiotherapy for individuals with cancer. However, the SoR highlights the shortage of radiographers, stating that too few are being recruited and retained. As a result, approximately one million patients are currently waiting to be seen by a radiographer.
The union is urging the government to engage in “urgent improvements” to radiographers’ pay and conditions in order to avert the walkout. Dean Rogers, the executive director of industrial strategy and member relations at the SoR, emphasized that strike action is a last resort, but members feel they have no alternative.
Rogers stated that the union has been seeking meaningful discussions with the government without success. The SoR recently held an industrial action ballot across England and requested more pay, a review of the 5% pay offer, funding to support recruitment and retention, support for long-term pay restoration, and improved working conditions. While the government acknowledged the concerns, it did not present any concrete proposals, and discussions were halted when the possibility of industrial action was raised.
The union also expressed concerns about the government’s workforce plan, unveiled last week, stating that it addresses future plans but fails to address immediate staff shortages.
To alleviate NHS waiting lists and ensure timely patient treatment, the SoR urges the government to prioritize the recruitment and retention of radiography professionals.
As the strike action approaches, both the NHS and the union hope for a resolution that addresses the concerns of radiographers and ensures the delivery of high-quality healthcare services to patients across the country.
