People experiencing less serious health symptoms are being asked to visit a GP or pharmacy, service instead of dialling 999, as ambulance drivers go on strike.
According to the NHS, general practice, community pharmacies, and dentistry are not impacted by strike action and the public should continue to access these services as needed on strike days.
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Ambulance services will prioritise the most clinically urgent cases and on strike days if it is not life-threatening people may have to wait longer than usual for an ambulance. Where safe and appropriate, some may be asked to make their own way to hospital – although it is important that they get medical advice from 111 or 999 before doing so.
‘The message from the NHS to patients is clear – if you need emergency care, please come forward,’ said NHS Medical Director For Secondary Care Dr Vin Diwakar.
‘This means continuing to call 999 for life threatening emergencies as well as using 111 online for other health needs where you will receive clinical advice on the best next steps to take.’
The NHS has been preparing extensively for industrial action and for winter, with plans already in place to manage additional demand including 24/7 control centres, additional bed capacity, more mental health support for ambulance services and more community falls services.
Guidance issued ahead of the last industrial action by ambulance services asked local systems to discharge patients who are medically fit and asked that local areas only cancel elective procedures as a last resort.
‘NHS staff have worked hard to minimise disruption but it is inevitable there will be an impact on services,’ added Dr Diwakar.