Ambulance Industrial Action – Monday 23 January 2023

20 January 2023

Industrial action is planned to take place at West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) on Monday 23 January 2023, from 00.01 hours to 23.59 hours: Find out more on the WMAS website

NHS ambulance services in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are working hard to keep people safe during the planned strikes, while delivering the best care possible.

On days where there is strike action, people should only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency (when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk).

Ambulances will still be able to respond in these situations, but this may only be where there is the most immediate risk to life.

Many parts of the NHS are likely to feel the impact of the industrial action, either directly or indirectly, and people are being urged to use ambulance services responsibly.

Where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support will be available through NHS 111 online or through calling NHS 111, and where possible, it is advised that you arrange alternative transport.

During strike days, it is likely 999 call handlers will be very busy. NHS 111 call centres will have fewer staff, with longer call response times expected across the system. As a result, we are urging anyone with non-urgent care need to first seek help from NHS 111 online.

When to dial 999

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies such as:

Cardiac arrest
Loss of consciousness
Fits that aren’t stopping
Chest pain
Breathing difficulties
Severe bleeding
Severe allergic reactions
Suspected stroke
Serious head injuries.

More information about when to dial 999 is available on the NHS England website.

NHS appointments

The NHS will contact anyone whose appointment has to be rescheduled due to strike action. If the NHS has not contacted you, it is important to attend appointments as planned.

In all cases, priority will be given to those patients with the most clinically urgent health needs.

Other health and care services

Minor injury units – attend your local minor injuries unit for urgent not life threatening conditions and injuries such as sprains, fractures and burns. Find your nearest Minor Injury Unit here.
Local pharmacies can help with a range of minor illnesses and ailments. See our winter wellness page on how to treat common winter illnesses. Find your local pharmacy here.
GP services are operating as normal on days when there is strike action. Contact your GP if you have symptoms that will not go away.

Discharge from hospital

Trusts are also asking relatives and carers to do everything they can to work with staff to get their loved ones home from hospital as soon as they are fit for discharge. If you have a loved one in hospital, please be ready to help them home as soon as they are well enough.

Information is also available via our Twitter channel.