Striking radiographers come out to answer emergency calls

Christchurch hospital. Photo / Supplied

Striking Auckland radiographers have been called in from their industrial action to x-ray 28 patients with "life-threatening" conditions - but the District Health Board says still more people are at risk.

Christchurch radiographers abandoned their strike action following the massive earthquake in the South Island yesterday morning. Power was restored to Christchurch Hospital early afternoon and they reported for work.

Radiographers from the Association of Professionals and Executive Employees Union have been on strike since 7am on Friday, reducing Auckland City Hospital and Starship Children's Hospital to only six non-union radiographers.

But there were fewer people coming in for x-rays - partly because of the strike, partly because of the closure of the Newmarket Viaduct.

Union spokeswoman Bernadette Gourley has said she hoped the strike would not be necessary, but negotiations had collapsed.

Auckland City Hospital clinical director of the emergency department Tim Parke said patients and staff were being put at risk. "It is distressing for staff," he said.

The union members had come in from their strike to x-ray 28 people whose lives were at risk, and had also agreed to work for patients who might lose a limb or be otherwise permanently disabled.

Auckland District Health Board chief medical officer Margaret Wilsher said the hospitals had been "chaotic" since the 49 radiographers walked off the job.

"It's not good care," she said.