A warning has been issued for people to only call for an ambulance in life-threatening emergencies ahead of NHS strikes next week. North West Ambulance Service says the availability of ambulances will be 'limited' on Monday (February 6) and Friday (February 10), while fewer people will be working at call centres.
It comes as both ambulance staff and nurses will be taking industrial action on the same day for the first time. NWAS says this will 'stretch resources' in both the ambulance service and hospitals, while the military and the private sector will be drafted in to help 'where appropriate'.
Ged Blezard, director of operations at NWAS, said: “It’s vital we keep the ambulances we do have available for those who really need us. Reasons to continue to call 999 include cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, fits that aren’t stopping, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, allergic reactions and serious head injuries.
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“Unfortunately, other patients requiring hospital treatment will likely be asked to take alternative transport, and delays may occur. For non-urgent concerns, please seek help from NHS 111 online, or contact your GP and pharmacist, who will be available during next week’s strikes.
“Also, please do not repeatedly call 999 asking for updates on where your ambulance is. Only call us back if your condition has worsened or to cancel the ambulance. We need to keep lines free for other emergencies.
“I am pleased to say that the public has listened to our previous messages, and call volumes have fallen on days of strike action. I want to say thank you, but I am also keen for this to continue.”
Mr Blezard's warning is the latest appeal made to the public by NWAS following a tough winter, including the beginning of strike action last month. In December, the ambulance service issued a string of appeals for help from the public, including a personal plea from medical director Chris Grant when hundreds were left stranded without help after calling 999.
The latest appeal from NWAS comes as members of Unite, GMB and the Royal College of Nurses (RCN) will strike next Monday. The RCN strike will continue the following day, while Unison members will be striking next Friday.
NWAS says that while ambulances will still be available on Monday and Friday, they will be limited. The strike will also affect the 999 and 111 call centres, as well as the Patient Transport Service.
A spokesperson for NWAS added: "As before, we are maximising our own resources, using private providers and military support where appropriate and working closely with our trade unions to provide cover for the most serious emergencies. We are also working with our healthcare partners to maintain patient safety during these periods of industrial action.
"Patients using the Patient Transport Service on February 6 and 10 may also be affected. Transport will only remain available for renal, oncology and palliative care appointments.
"Providers will be in touch to inform you if your appointment is being cancelled or to advise if you need to seek alternative transport. While we hope for a swift resolution to the dispute, ultimately, this is a matter between the trade unions and the government, and we must respect our colleague’s rights to take industrial action."
Members of the public are advised to use NHS 111 Online for advice on:
- Where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do
- How to find general health information and advice
- Where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
- How to get a repeat prescription
- More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.
For mental health concerns, call the crisis line on 0800 953 and 0285 in Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford and Wigan boroughs. In Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport and Tameside boroughs, or Glossop, call 0800 014 9995.
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