Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Siptu

Around 50 student radiographers who are helping battle Covid-19 ask Simon Harris to pay them

Siptu’s Kevin Figgis says that “many” of these student radiographers are replacing existing staff who have to self-isolate.

STUDENT RADIOGRAPHERS REPRESENTED by the trade union Siptu, have called on the Minister for Health Simon Harris to pay them for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The students are currently on a seven-week placement for which they are not paid.

They complete their four-year course when they finish this placement, and many are hired as assistant radiographers in the healthcare system after this.

At the moment, Siptu says there are over 50 final-year students of radiography “on the front line of our health service” to help with the battle against Covid-19.

SIPTU representatives have called on the Minister for Health Simon Harris to approve pay for student radiographers, considering some of them are covering for radiographers who have to self isolate.

Siptu sector organiser Kevin Figgis said that not paying radiographers “is unacceptable”. 

“Many of these student radiographers are replacing existing staff who are out of work due to self-isolation requirements.

This is no way to treat these students and sends the wrong message to them as they approach their graduation and hopefully retention within the Irish health service workforce.

“Fourth-year student radiographers are currently placed in radiology departments across the country with many departments at breaking point, due to the number of staff on special leave as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.”

Siptu’s call for pay for student radiographers is supported by the School of Radiography in University College Dublin and by the Radiography schools in University College Cork, Trinity College Dublin and the Faculty of Radiologists.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
71 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds