Chief's appeal ahead of strikes
Ambulance chiefs are calling on people in Sunderland to use services ‘wisely’ as they prepare for more strikes.
The North East Ambulance Service will be hit by industrial action by Unite union members from midnight on Sunday to midnight on Monday and by GMB members between 6am on Monday and 6am on Tuesday.
The action is part of the long-running dispute a dispute between trade unions and the Government over the 2022-23 pay award.
The GMB has agreed for their members to respond to category 1 calls only.
The union will not be covering patient transport services, call taking, dispatch or emergency care response to ‘life and limb’ incidents which are not categorised as category 1.
This includes category 2 conditions such as chest pain and strokes.
Stephen Segasby, chief operating officer at North East Ambulance Service, said: “This is a substantial change from previous strike days and will affect the number of patients we are able to attend to
and those needing transport to and from hospital appointments.
“The support from the public in using our services wisely during the previous periods of industrial action has really helped us prioritise our resources for those who need them most."
He added: “We will do all we can to keep our patients safe.
"As with the other periods of action, we are putting contingencies in place to maximise our available resources.
"However, we are expecting a significant impact on our services, which will limit our ability to respond to patients who are not at immediate threat of losing a life or
limb.
“We ask that the public continue to consider which is the best service for their needs.
"And only pick up the phone in a life or limb-threatening emergency.
"GP surgeries, pharmacies and urgent treatment centres will still be open and 111.nhs.uk will be available for anyone unsure of where to turn for help.
“Patients waiting for an ambulance should only call back if their symptoms worsen or to call back to cancel an ambulance if alternative transport has been arranged.
“We really do appreciate your support and thank you, once again, for helping us.”