THOUSANDS of ambulance workers will go on strike AGAIN next Friday.
On February 10, members of Unison across London, Yorkshire, the South West, North East and North West emergency services will stage a walk out.
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Ambulance workers are in a major dispute with health ministers over pay.
Union chiefs want an inflation busting salary hike for their members.
But the government says this isn’t affordable and would risk fanning the flames of inflation.
Unison Head of Health Sara Gorton said: “Ministers must stop fobbing the public off with promises of a better NHS, while not lifting a finger to solve the staffing emergency staring them in the face.
“The Government must stop playing games. Rishi Sunak wants the public to believe ministers are doing all they can to resolve the dispute. They’re not.
“There are no pay talks, and the Prime Minister must stop trying to hoodwink the public. It’s time for some honesty. Ministers are doing precisely nothing to end the dispute.”
As well as next Friday, ambulance workers who are members of other unions – GMB and Unite – will strike on nine other days throughout February and March.
They are: February 6, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 26 and March 6 and 20.
What to do in an emergency on strike days
In the event of an emergency you should call 999 or visit your nearest A&E department, however strike action might mean you are delayed or are unable to get the usual level of care you might need.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay has urged Brits to ‘use their common sense’ when it comes to calling out emergency services.
Guidance from the NHS states patients should only call 999 if seriously ill or injured, and there is risk to life.
Ambulances will still be dispatched where clinically appropriate.
Category 1 calls are for the most life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest.
Category 2 incidents, cover conditions such as strokes or chest pain.
Category 3 calls include people who have severe abdominal pain, have suffered a fall, or patients who can be treated in their own homes.
This group is unlikely to be sent an ambulance during strike action, with patient transport services prioritising those with cancer and palliative care appointments.
Guidance also states that the NHS will use taxis to transport less critically ill people to and from hospital where clinically appropriate.
Strong clinical triage will also be in place today across call centres, the NHS said.
