An urgent message has been issued as ambulance staff walk out today in an ongoing dispute over pay.
Ambulance staff from nine trusts including North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) will take part in strike action on December 21. The coordinated walkout by the three main ambulance unions - Unison, Unite and GMB - will affect non-life threatening calls only.
People are now being urged to only call 999 for life-threatening emergencies on days of strike action. Further strike action will also take place on December 28.
READ MORE: Nurse fights back tears as she shares harrowing conditions on wards
Ambulances will still be available to respond, although they will be prioritised for 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.
Patients are being urged to take alternative transport such as taxis or a lift should they require hospital treatment. Otherwise, contact NHS 111, GP or a local pharmacy for non-urgent health concerns.
Ged Blezard, Director of Operations, said: "We have tried and tested plans to manage any disruption, including industrial action, however, it’s important to understand there will be an impact on the public. We want you to continue to ring 999 if you are in a life-threatening situation.
"However, we are advising patients, that they should consider other forms of transport if they still need to go to a hospital. 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. Also, 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.
"If you need urgent care – 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."
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
On the day of strike action, our Patient Transport Service will also only prioritise patients attending cancer, renal and palliative care appointments.
The ECHO previously reported that NHS bosses warned hospitals to free up beds to prepare for "extensive disruption" caused by planned ambulance strikes. Paramedics, emergency care assistants, call handlers and other staff will strike after voting against the imposed 4% pay award. GMB said the pay award was a "massive real terms pay cut".
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT:
Desperate mum living in rat infested house breaks down in tears
Nurse fights back tears as she shares harrowing conditions on wards
Road cordoned off by police after woman hit by bus
Virgin Media warns customers never to put WiFi router in certain room
Moment 'scumbag' women decide to steal from shop days before Christmas
