After years of advocacy by STONZ, Health NZ is developing national guidance to improve access to properly fitted and maintained lead gowns for staff working with radiation.
In June 2023 STONZ raised the issue around availability of suitable lead gowns through our national engagement forum (SNEF), with a request for all districts to undertake a complete a full audit of lead gowns and thyroid shields.
The outcome of the discussion was that Health NZ would undertake to communicate with services to ensure that they knew that having an adequate supply and variety of sizes was important.
STONZ also wrote to members at the time outlining the expectations from STONZ and Health NZ, asking members to raise any concerns about availability or ill-fitting gowns with departments directly, so that they could be addressed locally.
As a result, we saw several departments purchase further gowns, including appropriate sizes for specific team members.
Following this, STONZ wanted to know if members access to appropriate lead protection clothing had improved, so in our 2025 Negotiations survey, we asked, “Is suitable, well-fitting lead protection clothing being provided in your district?” While 80% of respondents answered ‘Yes’, several comments indicate there are still issues, particularly obtaining lead gowns suitable for the female body.
Several respondents indicated that no female specific options with axilla/breast tissue protection were available. Many comments alerted to missing thyroid protection. Small-built females and large-built males indicated size issues with the available protective clothing. There were also several comments on the age of and the (lack of) cleanliness of gowns.
Since then, the team have fiercely advocated with senior leaders with Health NZ, and this year we have finally shifted the dial on this.
Thanks to the new National General Manager, Health and Safety – Michael Field, Health NZ is now working nationally to improve how lead gowns are provided, fitted, and managed for staff who work with radiation. A draft Lead Gown Information Sheet and supporting resources have been developed with STONZ support to help ensure staff have access to gowns that fit properly, provide appropriate protection, and are kept clean and in good condition. The guidance also covers when gowns should be replaced and how individual sizing information can be recorded.
A wider consultation is now underway to make sure the guidance is practical and works for staff and services across the country. This includes working with all unions, Radiation Safety Officers, Allied Health, Scientific and Technical leaders, and clinical and operational managers from areas where lead gowns are used. Private hospitals where Health NZ staff may also work will also be invited to take part.
The consultation will provide an opportunity to understand what is working well, identify any challenges, and hear from the people who use and manage lead gowns every day. Feedback will be used to refine the guidance and develop a practical approach to putting it into place nationally.
We will keep you updated, but we are pleased to report this concern is finally on its way to be properly addressed.