The Healthline telephone service says it has extra resources to cope with any increase in calls during a strike by radiographers at Auckland City Hospital.
About 60 technicians who carry out MRI scans, CT scans and X-rays are involved in the action, which began on Friday and will end on Monday morning.
The hospital is worried about delays, especially with the start of the rugby season on Saturday, but says older people should still seek assistance if they need it.
The company that runs Healthline, McKesson, is urging people to call for advice. General manager Lesley Clarke says callers will get through to a registered nurse who will establish whether immediate treatment is needed.
Meanwhile, radiology staff at Hawke's Bay Hospital extended industrial action on Thursday for a further three weeks.
