CANCER patients could be kept waiting for treatment because of a four hour strike by hospital radiographers on Monday.

Members of the Society of Radiographers who work in the NHS will strike for four hours from 9am to 1pm in their first UK-wide action for 30 years.

Radiographers operate diagnostic x-ray equipment and provide radiotherapy treatment for cancer patients.

Some North-East hospitals are expecting possible disruption and delays but others say they should be working normally.

The action by radiographers is in response to the NHS pay freeze.

SoR members will also work-to-rule for the remainder of that week.

Emergency care will continue to be provided but booked appointments and procedures may be affected by the strike.

Richard Evans, SoR chief executive officer, said:”There is the possibility of more action by radiographers in the future. The anger that they feel is very strong.”

“Radiographers will try and keep the effect on patients to a minimum but radiographers and other healthcare workers have got to the stage that they feel there is no alternative,” Mr Evans added.

A spokesman for the South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “As a major specialist centre in the region, we anticipate potential disruption to non-emergency, planned procedures during these four hours at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.”

A spokesperson for the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust said: “We will have emergency and inpatient cover for diagnostics on all sites. However, we apologise for any delays which may arise as a result of this action.”

At the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust a spokeswoman said: “We have spoken to staff in radiology and the action being taken is very limited. We are confident there will be no impact on patient services but we will be monitoring the situation closely.”