AMBULANCES will continue to respond ‘where there is a threat to life’ despite tomorrow’s (Wednesday) strike action by West Midlands Ambulance Service staff.
Members of GMB union will be on strike from 12.01am until 11.59pm on January 11.
The action is in response to a national pay dispute with the government.
Residents are being an assurance the service will respond to the most urgent calls such as cardiac arrests and where a crew request immediate back up at the scene of a case.
In a statement West Midlands Ambulance Service Trust said it respects the right of trade union members to take such action or demonstrate their support of strike action.
Emergency Services Operations Delivery Director, Nathan Hudson, said the trust had held ‘productive discussions’ with staff ahead of the action.
“In addition, staff in our non-emergency patient transport service will continue to convey vulnerable groups such as patients undertaking renal dialysis, cancer treatments, palliative care, emergency scans within the strike period timeframe.
“Only call 999 if critically unwell or there is risk to life. Ambulances will be dispatched where clinically appropriate.
“If you need medical help or advice, go to NHS 111 online (www.111.nhs.uk), your local GP or pharmacy.”
