Emergency calls warning as NHS staff go on strike

AMBULANCES workers will be on strike today for four hours, from 7am to 11 am, and are asking people to think twice before calling ambulance.

Unison, Unite and GMB member workers in the NHS will also be taking action, short of a strike, until Sunday, November 30. South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) have issued the following statement:

“We recognise the right of our employees to strike but we need to maintain an essential service to the public, and in light of this action we are working closely with all our staff, partners and the public to help us reduce demand on our services. This will help us to continue to protect our patients and achieve an adequate and safe level of 999, 111 and PTS cover. We will be working hard to get to our most life threatening patients as a priority however there may be a delay in getting to those patients in non-life threatening conditions.

“Contingency plans are being put in place to mitigate any adverse effects of the strike action and ensure the safety of our patients. We are working closely with our unions to deliver patient care that is not compromised across our emergency and non-emergency services. We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops and take appropriate action.

“We would like to remind the public to use our services appropriately and only call 999 if absolutely essential. If you are suffering an injury or illness which is non-life threatening there are other avenues of care available to you, you could:

 Visit your local pharmacy
 Contact your GP or out of hours GP
 NHS111
 Walk in centres and Minor Injuries Units
 Access NHS Choices online to check your symptoms and find your nearest service.”