‘A culture of unhappy staff’: NHS radiographers balloted over strike action

A radiography union is balloting members over strike action at NHS trusts.

The Society of Radiographers (SoR) trade union is balloting members working at the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust and also at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust. 

The union is disputing pay and working conditions and has said improvements would lead to more radiographers staying in the job, as well as reducing waiting lists.

Radiography professionals are responsible for carrying out x-rays, MRI and CT scans, ultrasounds and breast screening. They also provide radiotherapy for cancer patients.  

A therapeutic radiographer working in South London, who does not want to be identified over fears of losing her job, said: “It’s a very emotionally charged and emotionally demanding job. But the wages are not realistic for the skill, knowledge, expertise and demands of the job.  

“In radiotherapy, you slog hard. You have patients continually, all day long. There’s regular change in technology and constant demand for training, but we have no study time. 

“I think it can have an effect on your well-being. Morale is the most obvious way it comes out. 

“Our staff are not happy. Working in a culture of unhappy staff also breeds discontentment and we have a high turnover of staff. You’re constantly having to train new people.” 

Radiographers’ pay has not increased in real terms since 2008. The SoR’s members took part in a ballot in April and voted to reject the Government’s pay offer of five per cent.

The balloting period ends at 5pm tomorrow.

Dean Rogers, director of industrial strategy for the Society of Radiographers, said: “Waiting lists are growing and, for a cancer patient awaiting diagnosis and radiotherapy treatment, even a two-week wait can mean the difference between life and death.

“Our members deserve better. Our patients deserve better.”     

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “We hugely value the work of radiographers and it is disappointing the Society of Radiographers is balloting their members for industrial action.

“The majority of unions on the NHS Staff Council voted to accept the Government’s fair and reasonable pay offer with staff, including radiographers, receiving their pay rise and one-off payments this month.”

(Picture: Pexels)