The Society of Radiographers has published a guidance document containing important information for radiographers who wish to support junior doctors during their impending industrial action.
Junior doctors are set to walk out at 8am on 10 February for 24 hours over changes to their employment contracts.
As with the previous industrial action carried out by junior doctors last month, emergency care will be covered.
The document states: “Like radiographers who took strike action over the past year we know that patient safety will be the number one priority for the junior doctors, and that steps will be taken to ensure that those who need care will receive it.
“We will be encouraging our members to support their junior doctor colleagues at demonstrations as a show of solidarity between the professions. We call on the Government to resolve this dispute through meaningful negotiation and conciliation.”
SoR members intending to show their support to junior doctors are urged to take note of the following advice:
- As we have not balloted for industrial action you must not refuse to cross the picket line or refuse to carry out any of your normal duties. This could be seen as ‘unofficial action’ and could lead to dismissal.
- You may also be in the position where you have to take on a striking member of staff’s duties in the care of a patient, you cannot refuse to do anything that would put a patient at risk, as this could lead to action from the HCPC.
- If you are asked to perform duties that are not your normal responsibilities and it is not in the course of caring for a patient you can refuse to do this.
- You can get involved by joining in local/regional demonstrations before/after work, on your lunch hour or if you have the day off.
Click hereto download the document.