Monday 24th November 2014 – 11.10am – Murray MacGregor.
Staff are being praised for maintaining a safe 999 service despite over two thirds taking some form of industrial action.
Of the staff on duty, 41% took full strike action while another 26% worked to a number of exemptions meaning they only responded to the most serious calls where life was at risk.
West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “Taking strike action is a very difficult decision for our staff. However, through a combination of pre-planning and agreements with union representatives, we have been able to maintain an emergency service for the most seriously ill and injured patients.
“Our staff work extremely hard in often very difficult circumstances and we have sympathy for their position.
“Although the strike action is over, action short of a strike will continue throughout the week. This means it continues to be vital that the public recognise the increased pressure that the service is under.
“Please consider dialling 111 in the first instance or use other services such as your GP, a pharmacy or a walk-in centre.”
Ends
i had to have a ambulance out this morning to my husband at walsham how crescent whittington oswestry drew a edwards i would like to say a big thank you to them both they were so nice kind not just to my husband but to me as well im so grateful for what you all do as my husband as to go in quite alot so will you pass it on please janet edwards
Hi Janet, thank you so much for taking the time to message. I hope your husband is doing okay. We’d be more than happy to pass on your message, no problem at all. Thank you