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Summer 2003

Radiation Therapists Desperate

ONE OF THE MOST desperate areas within Tasmania’s health professional crisis is in radiotherapy, clearly a vital service for Tasmanians.

According to HACSU Assistant State Secretary, Tim Jacobson, radiation therapy is in such disarray that Tasmania could be faced with having to recruit 50% of the States entire workforce needs within the very near future.

"We already have shortages," Tim said. "Last year when a clinic opened up at Bendigo on the mainland, we lost three staff."

"There are other clinics on the mainland opening up, offering significant financial remuneration and I understand because of conditions here there are more staff looking at walking."

"Last time the Department placed advertisements they asked for qualified staff or even graduate year students.

The number of responses was zero."

"Members working in radiation therapy have had enough and are on the verge of taking action over a range of issues."

"They believe the Department is not taking them seriously and have no idea what they actually do and what is involved with their job."

"I know members would really appreciate it if senior Department officials actually came down to see them so they know what it is that they do and gave these staff a chance to explain their difficulties face-to-face."

"This is not a service where you can put cases on the backburner. It is a highly specialised and crucial health service."

"The State Government has got to understand that these problems need to be faced up to and now."