AMBULANCE trade unions on Wirral are taking strike action over a 48-hour period for the first time since their dispute with the government began.

Paramedics, emergency care assistants, ambulance technicians, other 999 crew members and control room staff are out on strike today (Monday, January 23) and tomorrow (January 24) in an ongoing dispute between trade unions and the government over pay.

Members of Unite and Unison will strike today, Monday, January 23 with colleagues from GMB taking industrial action tomorrow.

This will see NWAS (North-West Ambulance Service) resources severely restricted on both days – and therefore, they have renewed their call to the public only to call them in life-threatening emergencies.

Although ambulances will be available, they will be limited.

Typical emergencies include cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, fits that aren’t stopping, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding or allergic reactions and serious head injuries.

Further strikes are planned in the coming weeks by nurses and other NHS workers.

Unions have accused the Government of not wanting to find a resolution to what has become an escalating and bitter dispute over pay.

Wirral Globe: Ambulance workers on the picket line outside Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool.Ambulance workers on the picket line outside Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool. (Image: PA)

Sharon Graham , general secretary of Unite, has accused Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of being in “hiding” during the dispute over pay for NHS workers.

She told LBC radio: “The Prime Minister is missing in action.

“It’s been five weeks since Unite last went out on strike in terms of the ambulance service and we have had not one offer from the Government, there has been not one meeting that has been about 22/23 pay and, quite frankly, we’re almost negotiating with the Government on the airways.

“So, therefore, what I’m calling on today is for Rishi Sunak to come out of hiding, to do his job as the leader of this country and start negotiating on this particular dispute.”

Wirral West MP, Margaret Greenwood, has expressed her solidarity with the workers on strike.

Birkenhead MP, Mick Whitley, has defended workers who are striking.

Ged Blezard, Director of Operations at NWAS, said: “We have been really well supported by the public on the previous two days affected by strikes. However, we understand that anxiety these days can affect people concerned about their health.

“While we hope for a swift resolution to the dispute. This is an issue between the trade unions and the Government in relation to pay, and we respect members’ right to strike.”

“Be assured that if you really need us, please continue to call 999, and we will come as quickly as possible. As before, we are maximising our own resources, using private providers and military support where appropriate and working closely with our trade unions to provide cover for the most serious emergencies. We are also working with our healthcare partners to maintain patient safety during these periods of industrial action.

“But, ultimately, to get to the people who need us this time, we need people to use us wisely.

“Only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency, and if you need urgent care – first use the symptom checker at NHS 111 online, which will direct you to the most appropriate support. Again, you should call on friends or relatives for transport if necessary.”

NHS 111 Online can tell you:

  • Where to get help for your symptoms, if you’re not sure what to do
  • How to find general health information and advice
  • Where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
  • How to get a repeat prescription

More information about when to call 999and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.

If you are calling about a mental health concern, please use the mental health crisis lines available in your area:

  • Greater Manchester (Bury, Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport and Tameside & Glossop – 0800 014 9995)
  • Greater Manchester (Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford & Wigan)- 0800 953 0285
  • Lancashire and South Cumbria – 0800 953 0110
  • North Cumbria 0800 652 2865
  • Cheshire and Wirral – 0800 145 6485
  • Liverpool or Sefton- 0800 145 6570
  • Halton, St Helens, Warrington and Knowsley – 0800 051 1508