Perioperative technicians at the Royal Hobart Hospital will walk off the job for one hour on Thursday 24 April as part of their ongoing campaign for safer workloads and improved working conditions in hospital operating theatres.
They have been calling for an increase in staffing since mid-2024 and are now demanding that their team be expanded by six additional positions to safely cover rosters and ensure appropriate cleaning and maintenance in theatres.
“Perioperative technicians are essential workers who play a critical role in maintaining sterile environments and assisting with vital surgical equipment,” said Robbie Moore, HACSU State Secretary.
“These workers are deeply committed to patient care, but the current staffing levels put both staff and patients at risk.
Members have been voicing their concerns for almost 12 months and are prepared to take this fight as far as it needs to go to secure safe, sustainable working conditions in our operating theatres,” he added.
As part of the industrial action, technicians will also implement a range of work bans, including a ban on cleaning theatres, setting up transesophageal echocardiogram probes, and restocking sinks.