Thousands of ambulance workers are set to walk out in a row over pay. On Wednesday staff, including paramedics, control room workers and technicians, will walk out in England and Wales. Health chiefs have described the move as the most serious threat to date.
Now the NHS has issued guidance to help enable to most seriously ill to be treated. It is asking patients to use services wisely during industrial action and take simple steps to help ensure care is available to patients who need it most.
This includes using 111 online as the first port of call for health needs. It is also asking people to only use 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.
