The two further notices extend the industrial action to two weeks and will result in reduced services and significant impact on Radiology Services at Hawke's Bay Hospital from 8.00am Friday 26 February to 5.00pm Friday 12 March 2010.

Contingency planning is underway at HBDHB in preparation for the industrial action with the DHB rescheduling some clinics and seeking to have as much radiology assessment as possible undertaken by community providers over this period.

Warrick Frater, HBDHB's chief operating officer said "It is vital that over this period people should contact their GP in the first instance unless it is an emergency.

"Patients coming to Hawke's Bay Hospital's Emergency Department, or those waiting radiological assessment, are likely to face significant delays. We apologise for this inconvenience however our priority must be to maintain quality, safe services for our patients with limited resources and we appreciate everybody's patience during this difficult time"