PSA welcomes Court of Appeal decision in SCDHB anaesthetic techs case

The PSA is welcoming the Court of Appeal’s decision confirming anaesthetic technicians in Timaru are entitled to be paid for the time they spend on call.

The Court of Appeal has declined to allow the appeal by South Canterbury District Health Board against the Employment Court’s decision.

The anaesthetic technicians will now be paid at the minimum wage for the time they spend on call but not called in.

"This has been a lengthy process and we are relieved for these members, who have waited years for a resolution," PSA Assistant National Secretary Warwick Jones says.

"While on call, our members had to stay away from their families in shared accommodation - and the benefit of this to the DHB was significant.

"The Employment Court’s decision recognised that while they were on duty, their time was not their own.

"This decision has recognised the important work our members do, and we are delighted for them."