Members are meeting in hospitals and Breast Screen Queensland sites across the state to endorse a series of resolutions to fight Queensland health, fearing qualified radiographers and mamographers will be replaced by lower paid, less qualified assistants.

Members are concerned Queensland Health's (QHealth) introduction of imaging assistants will facilitate spread across the medical imaging sector. If successful, it is likely that Qhealth would request that government relax legislative boundaries across the board.

Workers in QHealth have already taken a stand against the introduction of imaging assistants, however they are now seeking the support of their private sector colleagues, given they make up the majority of workers in the medical imaging sector.

We need to work together to ensure the time and money both private and public sector radiographers spend at university earning their qualifications are not wasted. We need to stand together and value our profession – that's smart.

Together we can make a difference, both in our fight against the undervaluing of our profession and in the commencement of efforts to secure better wages and conditions in the private sector for the future.

The following members have already expressed their concerns about the introduction of imaging assistants. Please support LHMU members against QHealth's attack on the medical imaging profession by signing our e-petition today.

"I see this as a state-wide disaster for both public and private patients. Because we make what we do look quick and easy, QHealth bureaucrats think that we can be replicated as a cost saving measure by using assistants from a totally different stream with a totally inadequate educational entry level. I would have thought that QHealth would have learnt by now that under trained and under qualified staff can never replace properly qualified and registered professionals."
Izan Gill, Radiographer

"I believe that MIAs will play a valuable role in patient support duties, which will allow Radiographers greater clinical exposure. I do not support MIAs taking x-rays, as this will replace a number of Radiographers with less qualified staff."
Tina Hamlyn, Assistant Director Medical Imaging- Ultrasound

"The impact of "role extension" for medical imaging assistants would mean an increased level of responsibility in supervision and training and therefore increased workload for Medical Radiation Professionals (MRP's). It is important that FAIR working conditions for Medical Radiation Professionals are achieved before increasing the already excessive workload expectations. Many MRP's are of the opinion that role extension of medical imaging assistants "devalues" their role as licensed and registered highly trained professionals in the multiple modalities of medical imaging services they provide."
Des Hardman, Radiographer, Logan Hospital

So, this is your opportunity to show how much you value your profession. Join the campaign and complete the peititon. By doing this you'll have stood alongside your professional colleagues on a historic sector wide issue.