By Date
	By Subject

Call the HACSU Helpline
1300 88 00 32

more info

HACSU calls for immediate action on radiotherapy shortage

Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy)is in trouble where only four fifths of the desirable numbers of people with a new diagnosis of cancer are receiving treatment. The report of the Radiation Oncology Inquiry recently finalised by the Federal Government highlights critical shortages.

"Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy)is in trouble

Only four fifths of the desirable numbers of people with a new diagnosis of cancer are receiving treatment

Waiting times for treatment ar too long

There are shortages in in Australia of all the critical people and of modern machines

Shortages of workers are so great that some machines are out of action............

The time for action is now"

These are direct quotes from the foreword of a report of the Radiation Oncology Inquiry recently finalised by the Federal Government.

HACSU has recently entered into discussions with the Department to discuss what can be done to ensure that Radiation Therapists are retained in Tasmania and not lured to mainland states where therapists can earn significantly higher salaries. In a number of states recent decisions handed down by Industrial Commissions and agreements reached with Governments regarding salary and career structures have seen Radiation Therapist salaries increase significantly.

The issue of attraction and retention of staff is a central concern of the HACSU Health Professional Sub Branch who commenced lobbying some two years ago for the Agency to implement workforce planning strategies similar to those of Nurses to ensure that a crisis such as that in Nursing does not occur.

The recent outcomes of the Federal Government Inquiry into Radiation Therapy clearly highlights that crisis' already exists in some allied health professional areas.

Tim Jacobson said "The Department must act now, those people who can make decisions cannot be complacent. We do know that recently a new facility opened in Ballarat which attracted three staff from Tassie. We also know that two new facilities will open in northern New South Wales which may potentially attract staff from Tasmania. Salaries for Radiation Therapists are significantly higher in NSW."

The Agency has agreed to continue to meet with HACSU, including representatives from both the Northern and Southern Clinics. The next meeting will occur prior to Christmas. HACSU will keep members informed of events as they occur.