Ambulance bosses have issued an urgent plea ahead of tomorrow's strike action.
Ambulance service staff from GMB and Unison trade unions will go on strike again on Wednesday, January 11 in an ongoing fight over a fairer pay deal. Unison and Unite members will also be taking further action on Monday, January 23.
Thousands of ambulance workers have been walking out across England and Wales with some patients being told to make their own way to A&E. Staff are once again taking to the picket lines in their desperation to keep the nation's ailing health service alive.
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But while ambulances will still be available on these days, the North West Ambulance Service is appealing for help to ensure these are available for those with life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Typical emergencies include cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, fits that aren’t stopping, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding or allergic reactions and serious head injuries.
Other patients requiring hospital treatment will likely be asked to take alternative transport, such as a taxi or get a lift from family or friends. Equally, people should use 111.nhs.uk, their GP or local pharmacy for help with non-urgent health concerns.
Ged Blezard, Director of Operations, said: "Firstly, I want to thank the public for their support on the previous day of strike action before Christmas. You heeded our messages, and we were grateful to see 999 call volumes drop significantly.
"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.
"But, to get to the people who need us this time, we will require you to do the same again. However, I want to make it clear that if you need us, please continue to ring 999, and we will get there as quickly as we can."
On strike days, there will be reduced 999 and 111 call handling staff and fewer staff in the Patient Transport Service. Patients who have PTS bookings on 11 January 2023 will only now be available for renal, oncology and palliative care appointments.
Mr Blezard added: "Ambulance resources will be prioritising life-threatening injuries and illness. Unfortunately, other patients will wait and may be advised to seek alternative transport if they still require hospital treatment. We will also be particularly more stretched in our 999 and 111 call centres, which will likely result in longer call response times.
"Therefore, if you have already called 999 to request an ambulance, please only call back if your condition has worsened or to cancel the ambulance. Repeatedly calling 999 can block phone lines for other emergencies.
"And if you need urgent care – first use the symptom checker at NHS 111 online, which will direct you to the most appropriate support. Again, you should call on friends or relatives for transport if necessary."
Following talks with the Health Secretary on Monday, Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said: "Today’s talks fell well short of anything substantial that could stop this week’s strikes.
"There was some engagement on pay, but not a concrete offer that could help resolve this dispute and make significant progress on the recruitment and retention crisis. The public expects the Government to treat these talks seriously, it's time they got on with it."
Ahead of the planned strike on January 23, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Unite’s ambulance workers have been left with no option but to take industrial action. They are fighting to protect patients, to save the ambulance service and the NHS itself, as well as providing for their families."
NHS 111 Online can tell you:
- 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 999and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.
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