BY IAN CROUCH and MADELAINE McNEIL

Medical Imaging nurses at the John Hunter Hospital have called off  a two-hour stop work meeting.

The decision follows a hearing in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, after the Hunter New England Health District filed an urgent dispute against the action.

The Nurses and Midwives Association says both parties reached an agreement during this morning’s hearing to continue consulting over the issue.

EARLIER:

Nurses from the John Hunter Hospital’s Medical Imaging Department will hold a 2-hour stop work meeting from 9.00am on Thursday to discuss ongoing concerns about staffing, workloads and patient safety.

The Nurses and Midwives’ Association says it’s been raising these issues for years with Hunter New England Health and despite last minute talks, a mutual agreement could not be reached.

The Association says patients requiring emergency care will be treated, with one nurse to remain in the department while the industrial action is taking place.