Live updates as North West Ambulance Service staff walk out on strike
North West Ambulance Service staff across Lancashire, Cumbria and the wider North West have walked out in a bid to secure better working conditions.
As NHS leaders warned they could not guarantee patient safety, the unions angrily accused the Government of putting lives at risk by refusing to engage with them on the issue of pay. Union leaders insisted there would still be cover for the most serious calls through a series of local agreements.Emergency workers across Lancashire have been out at picket lines this morning as they fight for better pay.
NHS Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: "There is no doubt that the NHS is facing extreme pressure and industrial action will add to the already record demand we are seeing on urgent and emergency care, and so it is really important that the public play their part by using services wisely. This means continuing to call 999 for life-threatening emergencies – if it is not life-threatening you may have to wait longer than usual for an ambulance.
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