Ambulance workers stage mass walkout – as NHS leaders say they cannot guarantee patient safety | Politics News
Thousands of ambulance workers in England and Wales will go on strike today – with NHS leaders warning they cannot guarantee patient safety.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay has urged the public to “pay more attention” and “plan your activity accordingly” due to the strain the lockdown will put on the health service, while people So are you. claim to “drink responsibly”.
The strikes are coming after the last crisis talks between Mr Barclay and the unions failed to resolve the pay issue.
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Unison’s strike lasted from noon to midnight, while GMB’s action started at 12am and will also last until midnight today.
Unite’s strike begins at midnight and will end at noon.
About 600 members of army, navy and RAF were drafted in from around the country to help during the walk, some of whom had never driven before.
NHS Confederation chief executive Matthew Taylor said: “We’ve reached a stage where our leaders feel the need to say they can’t guarantee patient safety, they can’t be avoided. risk when these strikes take place.”
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‘I can’t describe how bad it is’ – paramedics
Ahead of the industrial action, unions have called on the government to make a pay offer and suggest a deal can be reached.
While Onay Kasab, from Unite, warned after the meeting that ambulance strikes would “escalate” unless the government agrees to negotiate.
He said: “Our members are absolutely determined to win not only the pay war but also win the fight to save the NHS.
Mr Barclay said the strikes were “deeply regrettable”.
“My number one priority is to keep my patients safe,” said the medical secretary.
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The public ‘will act rationally’ during the strike
“The government and NHS colleagues have been working to keep staff levels safe.
“However, there will be fewer ambulances on the road due to industrial activity and the NHS will prioritize those with life-threatening needs.
“My message to the public is to be more careful… and plan your activities accordingly. You may also want to check in with more vulnerable friends, family and neighbors. .”
He continued: “The extra pay increases mean taking money from frontline services at a time when we are dealing with record waiting lists as a result of the pandemic.”
Writing in The Telegraph, the health secretary added: “We now know that NHS contingency plans will not cover all 999 calls. Ambulance associations have made the choice yes. conscious to harm the patient.”
Read more:
Strikes every day before Christmas – which sectors are affected and why
How will A&E and other NHS services be affected
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The strike action comes a day after ambulances and hospitals trust the nation Important incident is announced is the result of “continuous” and “unprecedented” pressure on services.
While, Nurses across the country have gone on strike for a monday yesterday.
Royal College of Nursing director Pat Cullen has confirmed that nurses will announce a post-Christmas strike over the weekend unless the government agrees to a pay deal.
She warned Mr Sunak that “the clock was running” for him to enter negotiations aimed at preventing further action.
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Strike: ‘Serious incident’ declared
Yesterday, health minister Will Quince urged people to rethink contact sports and avoid running on icy roads during the ambulance strike.
All Category 1 calls (most life-threatening, such as cardiac arrest) will be responded to in today’s strike action, while several ambulance funds have agreed to waivers for unions for specific incidents in Schedule 2 (serious conditions, such as stroke or chest pain). pain).
That means people with trips, falls, or other non-life-threatening injuries may not get treatment.
