Paramedics to strike

Rapid response ambulance

Paramedics are to strike for a fourth day of action on Saturday 21 July.

There is to be a full withdrawal of services by GMB paramedics for day shifts starting between 6.00am and 8.00am. The staff eligible to take part must have been GMB members and paramedics prior to August 2016. 

The number of eligible staff is only a small proportion of frontline staff and the trust has only seen few members withdraw their services, with none at all striking in Greater Manchester during the last two days of action.

Paramedics who are not members of GMB and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) will be working as normal. However, due to extended period of action this time, this action is likely to mean delays in reaching some patients.

Lisa Ward, Interim Director of Organisational Development for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), said: “We have robust plans to ensure as much cover as possible throughout the region but we urge the public to help us by only calling 999 for life-threatening or potentially life-threatening emergencies. For non-emergency health concerns, alternative care and advice can be found though local pharmacies, GP surgeries, walk-in centres or NHS111.”