They're calling for better pay and working conditions as well as support in recruitment and retention
Radiographers at St Richard's hospital in Chichester are on the picket as they walk out in a dispute over pay and working conditions.
The 48 hour strike, which is taking place today and tomorrow, comes as staff call for at least a 6.5% pay rise to match that offered to other public-sector workers, rather than the 5% the government have put forward.
It's hoped that a pay rise will also help with the recruitment of new staff, which in turn would help ease the pressure on those already in the profession, improving retention.
Alun Beard is a diagnostic radiographer and joins colleagues on the picket: "There are not enough radiographers. Wages have not kept up with the cost of living and inflation, so we are far behind where we should be.
"We are paid relatively less than we have been. It's got worse and worse over the past fifteen years or so, so we are kind of at that point where we have to take action. This is the last straw. We've exhausted all other options, so here we are.
"We're hoping for a few things. Pay restoration is the goal - that's obviously a long process if that were to happen, so we're not expecting anything overnight.
"We'd like the government to recognise that we're an important part of the health service...we need more radiographers, there are thousands of vacancies across the country.
"The radiographers we do have are overworked. We work all the time, we work horrible shifts, lengthy hours and it's relentless.
"We're at the point that we can't really carry on as we are, to be honest."
Radiography staff are relied on to perform X-rays, MRI and CT scans, ultrasounds, breast screening and cancer patient's radiotherapy. While they strike, there are similar staffing levels to those seen on Christmas Day.
Dean Rogers, the Society of Radiographers' Executive Director of Industrial Strategy and Member Relations, said: "We asked for: more pay now and a review of the 5% pay offer; funding to support recruitment and retention; support for long-term pay restoration; and clear support for better working conditions."
“The government acknowledged our concerns but made no concrete proposals.
They have now indicated they will not talk to the SoR any further while industrial action is proposed – something we find regrettable for staff, patients and future industrial relations.
Strike action is a last resort. But our members believe they have no alternative, because the government won’t take the action needed to address their concerns.”
Falcons survive a Viking attack to go two-for-two
Biker's fundraise ride for men
Crawley Town win 2 - nill against Crewe
CCTV released after teenage girl verbally abused and spat at in Gosport
Worthing care provider fined thousands of pounds
Award winning Portsmouth historic dockyard
New Red Panda spotted on the Isle of Wight
Record numbers at Sussex food banks
Appeal for information following serious collision in Climping
Arrests made to tackle anti-social behaviour in Littlehampton
On Air