First day of ambulance strike action this week

The North West Ambulance Service is asking the public to call 999 only in life-threatening situations on days affected by industrial action.

The GMB union, Unite and Unison have confirmed their members will take part in strike action on Wednesday 21 December. GMB members will also strike on Wednesday 28 December; this is in dispute with the government over pay.

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.

If they require hospital treatment, patients should also consider taking alternative transport such as a taxi or getting a lift from family or friends.

Equally, they should use 111.nhs.uk, their GP or local pharmacy for help with non-urgent health concerns.

Ged Blezard, director of operations at North West Ambulance Service, 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 in a situation where there is an immediate threat to life. 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 provider 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.”

Jackie Bell, 111 head of service at North West Ambulance Service said: “For over fives, the online service works the same as over the phone and is already popular with people who want quick advice about the best options for getting the care they need.

“These can include getting a call back from a trained clinician or nurse, booking them an appointment in A&E, or providing advice. Parents concerned about children under 5 should continue to use the phone service.”

Jackie added: “Recently our 111 phone line has seen a significant increase in in calls regarding antibiotics to treat Strep A. Unfortunately our 111 call handlers cannot support you with this information, we ask you to direct these queries to your GP. For repeat prescription queries, we ask you go direct to 111 online, where support is available for this.”

Dr Paula Cowan is a working GP, as well as the regional clinical director for primary care for NHS England:  “All areas of the NHS are under pressure at the moment and staff are working extremely hard to meet demand. It’s clear 111 is providing a vital service to many people. 

“There is a wide range of expert help and advice sought for a number of conditions.  For November that’s 143,321 contacts with the 111 service, who may otherwise have been trying to get an appointment with a GP, called 999 or even turned up at A&E.”

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

If you are calling about a mental health concern, please use the mental health crisis lines available in your area:

• Greater Manchester - 0800 953 0285
• Lancashire (for Whitworth) - 0800 953 0110

On the day of strike action, the Patient Transport Service will only prioritise patients attending cancer, renal and palliative care appointments.

You should still ring 999 if you experience:

• signs of a heart attack like pain like a heavy weight in the centre of your chest
• signs of stroke such as your face dropping on one side
• difficulty breathing
• heavy bleeding that won’t stop
• seizures
• or sudden and rapid swelling of the eyes, lips, throat or tongue