Sick or injured people in Greater Manchester face getting a taxi to hospital accident and emergency departments, a lift in from others or somehow making their own way there as ambulance service staff walk out on strike on Wednesday, according to reports today.
North West Ambulance Service - which covers Greater Manchester - has warned its staff there will be 'a significant and noticeable difference in the way we operate', reveals a leaked internal memo. It says that on Wednesday, 'confirmed' cases of cardiac arrests and 'immediate threats to life' would continue to attract an ambulance response, but if A&E attendance is required 'immediate self-conveyance or taxi conveyance will be advised in all other circumstances'.
Confirmed maternity emergencies will also see paramedics attend, but similar advice has been issued 'in all other circumstances', adds the briefing note.
