AMBULANCE staff in the North West Ambulance Service region have voted to strike on Wednesday, January 11.
On days when the ambulance service are taking industrial action, patients should only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency (when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk).
Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is important that patients who need emergency medical care continue to come forward, especially in life-threatening cases (when someone is seriously ill or injured). Ambulances will still be able to respond in these situations, but this may only be where there is an immediate risk to life and response times are likely to be delayed.
Where the situation is not life-threatening, and where possible, it is advised that you arrange alternative transport to attend the Emergency Department. You should only attend the Emergency Department when it is a genuine emergency. Please seek advice from pharmacists and your GP in the first instance.
General practice services are not directly impacted by this strike action.
If you have an appointment at Tameside Hospital and staff have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. You will be contacted if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.
For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.
NHS 111 online can also tell you:
- Where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do
- How to find general health information and advice
- Where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
- How to get a repeat prescription
In a mental health crisis, call the mental health crisis line in your area (Greater Manchester: Bury, Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport and Tameside & Glossop – 0800 014 9995).
Read the Get To Know Where To Go leaflet which outlines all of the full range of health services available.
Maternity services
Maternity services will be running as usual.
If you have any worries, or think you’re in labour, contact the service for advice as early as possible 0161 922 6172 or 6173.
If you are planning a homebirth around this time, your midwife will speak to you about what this means for your care.