Radiographers across the South West strike
They join junior doctors and consultants on the picket line
Last updated 3rd Oct 2023
Radiographers across the country, including in the South West, are striking for 24 hours in a row over pay and conditions.
Members of the Society of Radiographers at 37 Trusts in England took to the picket line at 8.00am this morning - going out at the same time as junior doctors and consultants.
The joint action coincides with the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester.
The Society say it is in an effort to "tackle the recruitment and retention problems besetting the profession – which have left one million patients on NHS waiting lists".
Speaking at a rally of medical professionals in Manchester today, Leandre Archer, head of industrial relations for the Society of Radiographers, is expected to say: "Our members are struggling to make ends meet while the cost of living soars. Our members can't afford to pay for childcare or even to move out of their parents' home. Our members see patients deteriorating on ever-increasing waiting lists.
"They work excessive hours to deal with increasing vacancies. They watch colleagues leaving the NHS, seeking better work and better pay."
In the Society of Radiographers' most recent workforce census, 94% of respondents said that there were vacant posts for diagnostic radiographers in their departments. Nationally, the average UK vacancy rate for radiographers is 12.7%.
The government has pledged to speed up diagnostic processes in the NHS by building a network of more than 160 community diagnostic centres (CDCs) by 2025; but the Society say these CDCs will require an additional 3,500 radiographers.
Ms Archer will say: "We have given ministers multiple opportunities to put a decent offer on the table. An offer that will deal with the crisis in recruitment and retention of both the radiography and medical workforces. An offer that will deal with pay restoration and years of derisory pay awards.
"You fail to recognise and value the NHS workforce, and in that you fail as the guardian of the NHS."
NHS staff will be taking 'Christmas Day cover' action - which means staffing the hospital with minimal workers - looking after emergency and urgent care.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: "I'm deeply disappointed and concerned by further co-ordinated strike action which poses continued challenges for the NHS and disruption for patients, and means more will have vital treatment and care delayed.
"I urge unions to end their relentless strike action.
"Doctors have received a fair and reasonable pay rise - as recommended by the independent pay review body, which we've accepted in full."