Only dial 999 if lives could be at risk say health bosses, as ambulance workers strike again
Health bosses are again asking people to dial 999 for an ambulance only when a patient has a ‘life-threatening or very serious condition’ as another strike gets underway.
Around 1,400 Yorkshire ambulance workers who are members of the GMB union are walking out between 6am and midnight today (Monday, 20 February).
Paramedics, emergency care assistants, call handlers and other staff are among those joining colleagues across the country in striking for better pay.
According to the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, around 1,370 staff out of a workforce of over 7,000 are in the GMB union.
Executive director of operations Nick Smith said: “It remains important to use our emergency service appropriately for very serious and life-threatening incidents.
“With further industrial action across key services, we will have less resources available to respond to patients on Monday 20 February. Services will be disrupted, with the likelihood of delays in emergency responses and telephone calls to 999 and NHS 111 being answered.
“So, once again, we are asking the public to use our services wisely, but particularly our emergency ambulance service. We will be here for those who really need us, but you should only call 999 when someone is in a life-threatening or very serious condition as we prioritise our responses.
“Ambulances will still be able to respond during the strike, but this will only be where there is an immediate risk to life. Less serious calls may not receive a response or a significantly delayed response for the duration of the strike action and some patients might be asked to make their own way to hospital, where it is safe for them to so.
“Patients waiting for an ambulance should only call back if their symptoms worsen or to cancel an ambulance if alternative transport has been arranged, so that our lines are available to take new emergency calls.”
Around 45,000 junior doctors who are members of the British Medical Association (BMA) in England have also been balloted on strike action – with the result to be announced today (Monday).
With expectations of a big vote in favour of walkouts, the BMA has already warned it will stage a three-day strike if there is a yes vote.