Ambulance strikes – February 2023

Ambulance service staff represented by trade unions GMB and Unite will go on strike again on Monday 6^th and Monday 20^th February 2023, with Unite members taking further strike action on Friday 17^th and Wednesday 22^nd February 2023.

While ambulances will still be available on these days, they will only be available for people with life-threatening injuries and illnesses.

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

For non-emergencies, people are recommended to use https://111.nhs.uk/, their GP or local pharmacy.

As always, Progress Lifeline service users can receive help by activating their pendant alarm.

Expected risks for Progress Lifeline service users

• We expect a higher volume of calls during the strikes, when service users may be unable to get help from the UK emergency services.
• We anticipate that any non-emergency ambulance calls will have excessive wait times, but also calling through to the emergency services will take longer.

We are reviewing staffing levels and rotas to accommodate a potential influx of calls in both the Alarm Response Centre and our Emergency Home Response services.

How can service users assist?

• We ask that service users refrain from testing their lifeline alarms on Monday 6^th, Friday 17^th, Monday 20^th and Wednesday 22^nd February
• Ensure your emergency contacts and Next of Kin details are up to date. If you need to make any amends, please contact our customer service team on 03333 204 999
• Consider having a contact in place, wherever possible, that could take them to a hospital if emergency help is needed on these days.

We are continuously reviewing official information from the relevant authorities and organisations and will amend our plans where necessary.