Ambulance strike: What will ambulances respond to on strike days?
- Published
- comments
NHS England bosses have warned of "extensive disruption" ahead of ambulance strikes
Thousands of ambulance workers, including paramedics and call handlers, are striking in England and Wales on Wednesday over pay.
The impact upon services will vary by region, but extensive disruption is expected.
So, if you have an emergency on strike day, what should you do and what care can you expect?
When should I call 999 on strike day?
If in need, do call. There will still be staff answering emergency calls and sending out some ambulances.
All Category 1 calls - classed as the most life-threatening situations, such as cardiac arrest - will be responded to by an ambulance.
Less urgent calls which are not immediately judged to be life-threatening (Category 2), may have to wait longer than usual for an ambulance. However ambulance services say they will still respond to strokes and heart attacks.
Urgent problems that fit into Category 3 - such as a woman in late-stage labour - will not be prioritised.
In all cases, patients with the most urgent clinical need will be given priority.
NHS Medical Director For Secondary Care Dr Vin Diwakar said: "The message from the NHS to patients is clear - if you need emergency care, please come forward.
"This means continuing to call 999 for life threatening emergencies as well as using 111 online for other health needs where you will receive clinical advice on the best next steps to take.
"NHS staff have worked hard to minimise disruption, but it is inevitable there will be an impact on services."
Those who have a fall, or suffer other minor injuries which are not perceived to be life-threatening, are unlikely to receive 999 care. Where safe and appropriate, some NHS trusts are urging people to use their own transport to get to hospital or take a taxi.
However, you should get medical advice from 111 or 999 before doing so.
Can I call my GP or NHS 111 during the strike?
Do still use these services for assistance.
GPs and 111 call handlers are not striking, but bear in mind they are likely to be busy.
Pharmacies may also be able to provide help and advice for certain conditions.
Where and when are ambulance strikes happening?
Not all unions are striking for the same hours of Wednesday so it varies across the country.
It is also difficult to say how many workers are striking at each individual service.
Your device may not support this visualisation
What if I have a medical appointment on strike day?
Everyone who has an appointment should attend as planned unless their local NHS provider has contacted them to reschedule.