Shocking photos show sticky tape being used to hold together CT scanners at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital

Shocking images of sticky tape used to hold together vital medical technology in Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital prove staff and patients are being put at risk every day, a health union has claimed. The photos of one of two CT Scanners — used to diagnose and monitor conditions including cancer and internal bleeding— at SCGH, come as members of Health Services Union WA are set to rally outside the hospital on Thursday amid public sector negotiations. The union has also released an image showing a room intended to house the third machine instead being used for storage. According to the union, which represents medical imaging technologists who use the scanners as well as other crucial health workers like ward clerks and security guards, the hospital has operated with two scanners since 1994. Former Premier Mark McGowan announced funding for a third CT Scanner at SCGH in the 2023-2024 budget as the number of scans surged from 22,000 per year to 40,000 per year in the last 10 years. The $12.9 million for the new scanner — part of a $1.2 billion package in major public hospital infrastructure — has still not been delivered as scans are projected to rise by between 10 and 20 per cent by 2027. HSUWA secretary Naomi McCrae blasted the Government’s “failure” to deliver the scanner promised in the 2024 budget and the state of the current machines. “It is unbelievable, and it puts patients and staff at risk every day,” the union leader said. “We cannot deliver world-class public health care when the required equipment has never been delivered and staff are expected to keep managing an impossible situation. “The Government must invest now in the public health workforce and urgently deliver on its commitment for a third CT scanner at SCGH.” Ms McCrae said the lack of a full complement of CT scanners resulted in delays for an already overwhelmed health system. “There’s just unrelenting pressure on our medical imaging technician members to keep those scans happening 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” she said. “They run to keep those machines going and don’t take breaks in between. Some patients are waiting hours for a scan because they are delayed by urgent cases coming through ED.” Ms McCrae said the pressure on staff meant some were on-call after their shifts finished and had to return to work to meet staffing shortfalls. The shocking photos have emerged as the union demands a 12 per cent pay rise over two years — 7 per cent in the first year and 5 in the second. Its contract expired at the end of June, with the union rejecting an offer for an 8.25 per cent raise over two years. HSUWA members including anaesthetic technicians and medical imaging technologists will stop work for an hour on Thursday morning at PCH and SCGH to demand a better pay deal and modernised career pathways. A North Metropolitan Health Service spokesperson said the photos showed a cover on the side of the table which was used with the CT scanner. “A new part has been ordered with a supplier and we are waiting for it to arrive,” they said. “The cover of the table does not in any way affect the compliance or functionality of the machine. Both CT scanners are fully operational and compliant.” The NMHS spokesperson said the third additional CT scanner and associated department refurbishments were in the design phase.