NORTH West Ambulance Service staff from GMB and Unison trade unions are on strike again today, with Unison and Unite members taking further action on Monday, January 23.

Workers took their first strike day in December as part of their dispute with the government over pay and working conditions.

While ambulances will still be available on these days, the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has called on the public need to ‘support’ them to ensure that ambulances are available for people with ‘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.

Other patients requiring hospital treatment will likely be asked to take alternative transport, such as a taxi or get a lift from family or friends.

This upcoming strike will see more staff striking in more service areas with reduced ambulance crews but also reduced 999 and 111 call handling staff and fewer staff in the patient transport service.

”We are maximising our own resources, using private providers and military support where appropriate and working closely with our trade unions to provide cover for the most serious emergencies,” said Ged Blezard, director of operations at NWAS.

“Ambulance resources will be prioritising life-threatening injuries and illness. Unfortunately, other patients will wait and may be advised to seek alternative transport if they still require hospital treatment.

“We will also be particularly more stretched in our 999 and 111 call centres, which will likely result in longer call response times.

“Therefore, 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.”

The ambulance strike has come at a time when the NHS has faced severe pressure - with North Cumbria Integrated Care trust saying that the current situation was ‘severe’.

Union leaders met with health secretary, Steve Barclay over the weekend to try and call off these strikes but despite ‘progress’ no deal was reached.

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