East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) bosses expect next week to be "very challenging" as industrial action is planned to take place over pay. Military personnel will step in to assist non-emergency patients to protect limited numbers of ambulances available to attend to the most seriously ill people in the region.
Industrial action is planned to take place at EMAS on Monday (February 20) to Tuesday (February 21), with more than one union taking part. Ben Holdaway, director of operations at EMAS said: "We expect the industrial action period next week to be very challenging, and the implementation of military support has always been part of the NHS plans in case of increased and sustained pressure.
"At EMAS, we are expecting up to 20 military colleagues to be available to us. They will not be used to respond to emergency 999 calls. Their role will be to drive vehicles in addition to the safe moving and handling of lower acuity patients and essential equipment. This will enable our emergency crews to focus on responding to life-threatening and very serious 999 calls.
Read more: Nottingham earthquake survivor woke to 'room shaking' and gunshot in Turkey
"As we head towards the weekend, the NHS remains open and people are asked not to store up their health conditions or soldier on if they become unwell or injured – seek early advice from your local pharmacist, NHS 111 online, via your GP or urgent treatment centre. And if you have a long-term condition, ensure you continue to take your routine medication as advised by your GP.
"While we continue to fully respect the right of NHS staff to take lawful and peaceful action, as an ambulance service, the most important thing for us is that we are able to provide emergency care to our patients when they need it. It is important that the public use services wisely and make their own way to a treatment centre or hospital if safe to do so - this allows us to send our ambulances with life-saving equipment and clinicians on board to people who really need them."
EMAS has urged patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk. GP services are not impacted by the strike action, EMAS confirmed.
Patients who need medical help or advice are urged to access NHS 111 online - unless it is a life-threatening emergency, for example a cardiac arrest, when they should still call 999. Ambulances will still be able to respond in these situations, but this may only be where there is an immediate risk to life.
Strike dates
The GMB and Unite trade unions have confirmed that they intend to take industrial action on the following dates this year:
GMB
- Monday, February 20, from 6am until 8am on Tuesday, February 21
- Monday, March 6, from 6am until 8am on Tuesday, March 7
- Monday, March 20, from 6am until 8am on Tuesday, March 21
Unite
- Monday, February 20, from 1am and concluding at 11.59pm
- Monday, March 6, from 1am and concluding at 11.59pm
- Monday, March 20, from midnight and concluding at 11.59pm
The current mandate to strike covers a six-month period - so further dates may be announced in due course.
READ NEXT:
Cause of Nottingham flat fire revealed after 5 children and adult rescued
Nottinghamshire grieving parents slam government response after daughter's tragic death
Nottinghamshire Police officer told to remove badge as public complaint sparks investigation
Nottinghamshire prison workshops meant to teach inmates new skills 'lying empty'
