is celebrating new data evidencing the benefits of
investment in publicly delivered imaging (radiology)

As a result of 2 new scanners being
commissioned in Hawkes Bay thanks to the Diagnostic Boost
Programme[ii]
(increasing our number of scanners to 2 CT and 2 MRI), and
work to retain the workforce to run these scanners, more
patients are being scanned and faster. As a result of these
initiatives, Hawke’s Bay has seen the number of patients
on the CT waiting list drop by 74% and the number of
patients on the MRI waiting list drop by 50%.

outsourcing of patients to private radiology has almost
completely stopped saving the public millions of dollars, on
a sustainable basis.

The results of increased
investment in Hawke’s Bay Hospital’s radiology services
are delivering a positive (net gain) return on investment
and faster diagnostic imaging of patients with four key
components behind the success:

In November 2025
we doubled public hospital capacity to two CT and two MRI
scanners. However, we still needed the workforce to run the
new machines to full capacity.Regular high trust
engagement between health sector managers and union
delegates improved communication, workforce wellbeing and
importantly, retention.As a result, sufficient
workforce was secured to commence both acute and non-urgent
imaging in CT and MRI, 7 days a week;We also
implemented sustainable evening and weekend night shift
rosters reducing radiographer fatigue and improving
Emergency Department waiting times.

Hawke’s Bay has proven is that sustainable investment and
good collaboration between unions and the health service
delivers results which are nothing short of miraculous,”
said Dr Deborah Powell, APEX national secretary. “Patients
are getting their diagnosis earlier and their acute hospital
presentation is more efficient.”

“Our union first
started engaging with Hawke’s Bay in mid-2023 when staff
were burning out and waiting lists were spiraling out of
control. Through appropriate investment, rostering and joint
problem solving, we have been able to get waiting lists for
CT down from over 1000 patients to under 275, and MRI
waiting lists over 700 to under 300.”

Ora and Hawke’s Bay MITs are now delivering the radiology
service our entire public health system needs. Supported by
the Diagnostic Boost Programme, other hospitals should be
able to replicate these results, cutting wait times,
delivering faster diagnosis and turnaround to acute
services, and improving the wellbeing and retention of our
critical imaging (MIT) workforce.” concluded Dr

APEX is the union representing 6000 allied,
scientific and technical health professionals including over
1500 medical imaging technologists (known as MITs or
radiographers).

The Diagnostic Boost was put in place by Minister Brown to
improve the public hospital radiology system through
increased investment in equipment and

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Original source: nz