North East Ambulance Service is appealing to the public to use services wisely as it prepares for industrial action
As North East Ambulance Service prepares for further periods of industrial action following a dispute between trade unions and the Government over the 2022/23 pay award, it is once again appealing to the public to use services wisely.
The next period of industrial action is expected as follows:
GMB members - from 06:00 on Monday, 6 February, until 06:00 on Tuesday, 7 February (24 hours)
RCN members – 07:00-20:00 on Monday, 6 February, and Tuesday, 7 February
Unite members – from 00:01-23:59 on Monday, 6 February (24 hours)
Unison members – from 07:00-19:00 on Friday, 10 February
Stephen Segasby, chief operating officer at North East Ambulance Service, said: “The support from the public in using our services wisely during the three previous periods of industrial action has really helped us prioritise our resources for those who need them most.
“Similarly, our partners across the NHS have shown us great support to keep our available crews on the road. However, we know other parts of the health system continue to experience pressure so we cannot rely on that alone.
“We will do all we can to keep our patients safe next week. As with the other periods of action, we are putting contingencies in place to maximise our available resources. However, we are expecting a significant impact on our services over a 48-hour period, which will limit our ability to respond to patients who are not at immediate threat of losing a life or limb.
“We ask that the public continue to consider which is the best service for their needs and only pick up the phone in a life or limb threatening emergency. GP surgeries, pharmacies and urgent treatment centres will still be open and 111.nhs.uk will be available for anyone unsure of where to turn for help.
“Patients waiting for an ambulance should only call back if your symptoms worsen so that our health advisors are available to take new emergency calls; or to call back to cancel an ambulance if alternative transport has been arranged.
“This particular period of action is also expected to impact our clinical advisory service, which means patients may wait longer for a clinician to call them back and our ability to issue emergency prescriptions will be limited. We would advise members of the public to prepare now by ensuring they have enough medication to see them through or to contact their GP if they find themselves in need of a prescription during the strike period.
“We really do appreciate your support and thank you, once again, for helping us to keep the public safe.”
For further guidance on the industrial action, visit the NHS England website.