Striking radiographers called back 10 times to save lives

Fears of healthcare chaos did not eventuate as hospitals coped without radiographers during the first day of industrial action.

However, strikers were called in at least 10 times at four district health boards to provide life-preserving services.

Some 260 radiographers at seven of the country's DHBs began their strike at 7am yesterday - the third by health professionals this year after the walkout by junior doctors and radiation therapists.

Hospitals in Southland, Otago, Canterbury, Hutt Valley, Gisborne, Rotorua and Bay of Plenty cancelled electives and sourced x-ray services from private providers or DHBs not affected by the industrial action.

Three of the emergency callbacks were at Tauranga. Head of emergency planning Andrew Keenan said there were no overnight x-ray services so today would be "telling".

The day went off smoothly for the Lakes DHB, which runs Rotorua and Taupo Hospitals. The strike ends on Friday at 7am.