Last minute talks to avoid radiation staff strike

Last minute talks are being held in an attempt to avoid strike action by radiation therapists this week.

MidCentral District Health Board (DHB) union staff were to walk off the job for a half day today, despite the scheduled talks, in a pay dispute that has seen rolling industrial action since September an all DHBs.

Tomorrow radiation therapists from Canterbury DHB were due to strike for three days.

Auckland and Wellington DHB therapists were to strike on Thursday and next Monday.

Canterbury DHB spokeswoman Michele (crct) Hider told NZPA contingency planning for Christchurch Hospital had been underway for quite some time.

National Party health spokesman Tony Ryall said the cost of the therapists' strike was now more expensive than the cost of their pay claim.

"Cancer patients are facing dangerously long delays for treatment in many parts of the country. This includes many with breast cancer or prostate cancer," Mr Ryall said.

- NZPA