As paramedics strike public are warned: ‘do not take risks’
The West Midlands Ambulance Service is committed to treating cardiac arrest, heart attack, stroke, breathing difficulties and maternity emergencies.
But it urged people to “only call if a patient is critical or their life is in danger”.
The NHS Confederation has written to Rishi Sunak warning that the strike has brought the nation into “dangerous territory”.
Chief Executive Matthew Taylor warns that “there is a deep concern about the extent of the harm and risk that patients could face.”
And Health Secretary Will Quince issued a strong message, warning people to stay safe and avoid “risky activities”.
He said people should “avoid contact sports” or walking on slippery roads and suggested avoiding unnecessary car trips. People were also urged not to put themselves at risk through excessive alcohol consumption.
Scores of surgeries have been canceled in hospitals across the West Midlands and Staffordshire today in a bid to ease pressure and widen NHS waiting lists.
Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “There is no doubt that the NHS is under extreme pressure and industrial action will add to what is already a record demand for urgent and emergency care.
“So it’s really important that the public do their bit by using the services wisely.”
Thousands of nurses staged their second strike over pay yesterday and paramedics and ambulance workers, including call attendants, took action today.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Taylor said: “This is not something NHS leaders would ever say lightly, but many are now telling us they cannot guarantee patient safety. For health reasons alone, it is clear that we have entered dangerous territory.”
Mr Taylor urged the Prime Minister to quickly end the government’s dispute with the unions, urging Mr Sunak to “stand ready to negotiate the essential issue of payroll”.
The letter added: “With less than 24 hours until the ambulances go on strike, NHS leaders are now deeply concerned at the level of harm and risk patients could face tomorrow and beyond.”
He added that there are seldom “expressions of concern this strong and urgent” from executives who run hospitals, emergency services and other vital health services.
He said: “We never want to worry people, but we have reached the stage where our leaders feel it is necessary to say that they cannot guarantee the safety of patients, they cannot avoid risks when these strikes occur.” unfold.
“We are particularly concerned about the ambulance workers’ strike, but we are concerned about the possibility of further strikes. We must make it clear that we are entering a very dangerous time and that is why we call even more on the government and the unions to try to find a way to resolve this dispute and to help us get through the winter. “
Earlier, Downing Street conceded that Mr Sunak had not chaired any Cobra meetings on the crisis, nor had he met with unions.
At a cabinet meeting yesterday, the disputes with NHS nurses and paramedics were not addressed, instead discussions focused on plans for the May 2023 coronation.
