More than 800 out-patient appointments rescheduled due…

More than 800 out-patient appointments rescheduled due to ambulance strike as union cancels post-Christmas action

More than 800 out-patient appointments at hospitals were rescheduled in the north west as a result of Wednesday's strike action by ambulance service workers, published NHS data shows.

The figure - 827 in total - can be revealed as the GMB union, one of three unions to take action in Greater Manchester this week, announced a planned post-Christmas strike by its ambulance worker members on December 28 has been suspended after 'amazing' public support.

A further date for strike action, however, has been scheduled for January 11, said GMB's national secretary Rachel Harrison. Unison last night announced members would stage two fresh strikes in the dispute over pay and staffing - on January 11 and 23. Five ambulance services will be affected, including London, Yorkshire, the North West, North East and South West.

The GMB said there was 'incredible' public support during the industrial action taken by its members and members of the Unite and Unison unions on Wednesday.

A spokesman said: "The NHS is on its knees and the public are suffering every day because the Government has failed to properly resource and plan for our health service. Nowhere is this clearer than in the appalling delays experienced in getting an ambulance and then getting into A&E.

"Solving such problems starts with getting enough people to work in the NHS. Unless the Government starts to talk pay now, the problems will get worse with every passing day."

A picket line in Manchester (Manchester Evening News)

Ms Harrison added: "We are overwhelmed by Wednesday’s amazing public support for our paramedics and ambulance staff. People across the country have been wonderful in backing us and we care so much about them too. That's why we are suspending the proposed GMB industrial action on December 28.

"We know the public will appreciate being able to enjoy Christmas without any additional anxiety. They support us and we support them."

The figures - published by NHS England and available on its website, show that within North West Ambulance Service, a total of 1,575 employees took strike action on Wednesday - the second highest number in the country of trusts that submitted data to the NHS in the aftermath.

In the north west, 98 'elective procedures' scheduled to take place on the day were rescheduled as a result of the industrial action. A total of 827 out-patient appointments scheduled were also rescheduled because of the strike.

There were none cancelled at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust and at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, the data shows. No data was submitted by any other hospital trust, with Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust no showing on the list.

The GMB union announced the move today (Manchester Evening News)

NHS England said the data showed the number of staff reported as off work due to industrial action and the number of in-patient procedures and outpatient appointments that were due to take place on the day, which required rescheduling.

GMB chief Ms Harrison added: "The workforce crisis in our NHS is so severe and our commitment to getting ambulance staff the proper pay they deserve is stronger than ever, so we are scheduling a further date for action on January 11 2023. The incredible British public are why we are suspending our action over the Christmas period.

"But it also means the Government can now do what ambulance workers and the public want – get round the table and talk pay now. We are here 24/7. Any time, any place. Over to you, (Health Secretary) Steve Barclay. Everyone is waiting."

Meanwhile Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, said today he was 'sad' and 'disappointed' about widespread strike action, but he insisted refusing to negotiate on public sector pay is the “right thing” in the long term. The PM defended the Government on Friday as acting “fairly and reasonably” on the “difficult question”, but insisted he cannot budge or risk stoking inflation.

His refusals to give increased pay offers mean there is little chance of industrial disputes ending, with border staff the latest to walk out and nurses announcing fresh and escalated action.