After nearly shutting down its entire interventional department, radiologists throw hospital a lifeline

Despite all of its interventional providers submitting their resignations in June, a hospital in Australia appears to have avoided the complete shutdown of its interventional radiology department, at least for now. 

Sydney, Australia’s Westmead Hospital and its team of interventional radiologists have been at odds over circumstances the providers say have put patients at risk. The disagreement is tied to compensation and concerns about outdated equipment used during IR procedures. Radiologists say they've sought departmental reforms for years, but hospital leaders have yet to effectively address them. 

The entire team turned in their resignation letters in June, with an expected departure date of July 8. However, the group has since done an about-face with regard to their looming exits, agreeing to continue negotiations into August, according to ABC News Australia. 

"No one wanted to quit, we simply wanted equipment and resources to do the job properly and safely," one doctor who spoke to the outlet on the condition of anonymity said. 

After making their intentions to leave the organization known, the group of IRs was able to meet with new chief executive of the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLDH), Amanda Larkin, and executive director of operations Alison Derrett. The parties are working to reach an agreement on staffing, new equipment and improved compensation. 

Health Minister Ryan Park said the entire ordeal could have been avoided if not for a “communication breakdown” between staff and hospital administrators. 

"I don't accept that it should have gotten to this stage," Park said. "I believe there's been a breakdown in communication, and I believe there needs to be a reset in culture." 

So far, the resumed talks have been positive, sources told ABC Australia. However, the IRs are prepared to follow through with their resignation in August if significant progress is not made.