Online voices

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Ambulance crews told not to return to base for breaks to help tackle escalating response times.

Carla Cuthbertson: Why don't the pen pushers working from home Monday to Friday, 9-4pm do some real work and go out on a 48 hour week shift with one 30 min break. Don't start me off my husband is on his knees like the rest of ambulance staff and NHS.

Vicky Smith: Absolutely disgraceful. No staff welfare thought of when they are doing 12 plus hour shifts (normally 13 or 14 hours).

Julie Carr: And this is how accidents and mistakes happen, absolutely shocking.

Emma Godfrey-Lowe:

As an “Ambulance

Driver” I understand the heartbreak that waiting for us can cause. We are the ones that are attending these unwell patients, that have waited for longer than they should. But taking away our mealbreak is NOT the answer.

Joe Holt: North East Ambulance Service yet again treating their staff with utter contempt. Absolutely disgusting decision made by people who have never worked an operational shift in their lives. I don’t think a hot meal, hot drink and clean toilet twice per 12 hour shift is too much to ask for Ambulance Crews.

Hazel Scotter: That is just not right, so unfair.

Enid Stephenson: Whoever made this rule will be sitting in a warm office with every facility to hand.

Karen Butler: Disgraceful NHS workers suffer again.

Kimberley Tipling:

Disgusting, they work enough hours to start off with without now having no facilities to even warm up food especially in this weather! Hope local businesses can offer yous some good grub at discounted prices and a hot cuppa.

Lesley Kime: 13 hour shifts with no break? I’m pretty sure that’s illegal.

Marlene Emmerson: Should have enough staff so they can get their breaks.

Dean Cummings: I'm sorry but this is disgraceful.