Fewer ambulances on the roads in Sussex as staff prepare for strike action
NHS bosses are urging people to use alternative health services where they can
NHS bosses in Sussex are warning there will be fewer ambulances on the roads as staff prepare to go on strike.
Ambulance workers, including non-emergency patient transport, are walking out today (January 11th) in a dispute over pay.
999 call handlers are also expected to be busy and with fewer staff, but the NHS is reassuring the public that those with life-threatening needs will be prioritised.
Health and care services across Sussex have been under extreme pressure in recent months.
A critical incident, put in place to help ease pressure on A&E departments, was stood down earlier this week after seven days.
Patients are now being urged to seek alternative health services for anything that doesn’t require urgent care.
The advice is to only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency, where someone is seriously ill, injured or if their life is at risk.
NHS Sussex Chief Medical Officer, Dr Dinesh Sinha, said: “Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
“We ask for the public’s support during the day of industrial action so that those who most need NHS help and treatment can get the care they need.
“If it is a life-threatening emergency, please continue to use 999 or go to one of our Emergency Departments or A&Es.
“For other health needs please think very carefully about choosing the most appropriate NHS service – from your local pharmacist, GP practice or a walk in Minor Injury Unit or Urgent Treatment Centre.
“If you do need support and care, it may take longer than you might expect to be seen and treated, so please be patient – NHS teams will be working very hard to make sure people can get the help they need.”