Two of the Whanganui District Health Board's three sonographers are suffering from overuse injuries because of their excessive workload, according to the union that represents them.
The Chronicle reported on Saturday that some patients were being sent to Palmerston North for ultrasounds because two sonographers were ill and the local service could not cope.
Deborah Powell, from the Apex union, said the two staff members were off work with repetitive strain injury (RSI) because they were trying desperately to keep up with a heavy workload.
"Doing an ultrasound involves quite a lot of strain on the shoulder and wrist," Dr Powell said.
"These sonographers have been trying their best - they do want to look after their patients."