Radiographers have been striking against District Health Boards across the country over a 3% increase in salary.

They are planning for further action while talks having reached a deadlock.

Apex Head, Deborah Powell, said that action would deepen and accelerate.

The 23 Lakes DHB radiographers, involved in diagnostic services such as x-rays, CT and MRI scans and ultrasound, plan to go on strike between 4.30pm or 5pm and 8am, from Monday to Thursday, at Rotorua and Taupo hospitals. Another strike has been designed for Saturday and Sunday.

Also, some optional or planned surgeries might be delayed over the first four days of strike.

Meanwhile, Lakes DHB has asked patients to understand their position during the strike period, and approach their GP instead of going to the hospitals' emergency departments unless required.

"The DHBs have effectively imposed a wage freeze -- their offer started at zero and hasn't moved since. We believe that's unfair, our productivity's increased between 10 and 15%”.

She also said that the DHBs got a 3.2% hike in funds which should be passed on to them.

However, Phil Cammish, DHBs Spokesman and Bay of Plenty DHB Chief Executive, said that the salary range for an MRT working 40 hours a week was $46,306 to $63,148 per annum, exclusive of other payments and claims.

"MRTs are a valued group of health workers and DHBs are keen to get agreement on a collective agreement we can all live with. Any wage growth in the period ahead will have to be affordable”, Cammish said.