Thousands of ambulance workers across the UK are to walk out today in fresh strikes following the rejection of the latest pay offer by unions.
Widespread disruption is expected as more than 11,000 members of the both the GMB and Unite unions at seven of the 10 ambulance service trusts in England – including in the North West – are, once again, staging strike action for 24-hours today, which means fewer ambulances on the road and fewer call handlers answering 999 calls.
On top of this, ambulance dispatchers and drivers in our Patient Transport Service will also be going on strike today.
As there continues to be unrest in many industries and sectors of the economy nationwide, the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has issued a statement explaining which calls its services will be “prioritised” during the industrial action today.
Staff are striking today. Continue to call 999 for cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, fits that don't stop, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, allergic reactions, serious head injuries, strokes and heart attacks. Unsure, use the symptom checker https://t.co/Q9820lk3SOpic.twitter.com/7N31CPQHkT
“We need the public to only call 999 in life-threatening emergencies to ensure resources are available for the patients who really need us,” the NWAS said in its appeal.
“To be clear, ambulances will still be available, but they will be prioritised for those life and limb emergencies, so other patients will likely be asked to make their own way to hospital or advised where else to seek help.”
The NWAS has confirmed it will be supported by the military and by private and volunteer ambulance services during the strike action today.
In a bid to “ensure the safety of patients”, the NWAS has also said that senior clinicians will be based in all its control rooms across the region to oversee incoming 999 calls and make decisions on responses based on clinical need.
North West Ambulance Service explains who’ll be ‘prioritised’ as thousands strike across UK today / Credit: NWAS
“This is the ninth day we have faced some form of strike action in the service,” Ged Blezard from the NWAS said of today’s walkouts.
“So far, we have coped reasonably well. However, I understand there are only so many times that the public will listen to our messages, therefore it’s important to stress that one of the reasons we are able to get to people who need us on strike days is that we receive fewer calls, so it’s vital that the public continue to behave as they are.
“Please only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.”
Typical emergencies the NWAS says services will be prioritised for today include cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, fits that aren’t stopping, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, allergic reactions, and serious head injuries.
If hospital treatment is required, the NWAS said patients should also consider taking alternative transport – such as a taxi, or getting a lift from family or friends.
Equally, they should use 111.nhs.uk their GP or local pharmacy for help with “non-urgent health concerns”.
There’ll be fewer ambulances on the road and fewer call handlers answering 999 calls today / Credit: NWAS
Mr Blezard also stressed the importance that people don’t repeat-call 999 to “ask for updates on where your ambulance is”, adding that they should “only call us back if your condition has worsened or to cancel the ambulance as we need to keep lines free for other emergencies”.
“We are hoping for a resolution to the dispute, but ultimately, this is a matter for the government and trade unions to settle,” he concluded.
More support is available on the NWAS website during today’s strikes.
Featured Image – NWAS
News
A FREE week-long event dedicated to Japan is coming to Manchester
Thomas Melia
An event dedicated to the East Asian country of Japan is making its way to Manchester city centre this month.
Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase.
Taking place this weekend and based over in the ever-flourishing First Street complex – which will serve as the main hub – the festival is open to all.
We love anything that shows off just how multicultural this city is.
On Friday, 5 September, from 3-5pm, you can watch the Japan Week opening ceremony, which is taking place on an outdoor stage at First Street with the running order including dance acts and even ceremonial-style samurai performances.
With so many artistic events and cultural dates taking place in the growing mini-district that is First St (including Jack Rosenthal Street and Tony Wilson Place), it’s the perfect site for this month’s showcase.
This opening procedure is actually called ‘Kagami Biraki’, and if you attend on the day, you’ll be able to see the traditional opening of the sake barrel, which symbolises unlocking good fortune and the spirit of celebration.
Japan Week is coming to First Street in the city centre from Thursday, 4 September to Tuesday, 9 September, and, perhaps best of all, there are absolutely no tickets required.
More events on the Japan Week 2025 programme will also be taking place at other venues too.
Yes, as the goal of the festivities is to spread awareness and celebrate Japanese heritage and its connection to Manchester, the event is completely FREE – as it should be.
Manchester United’s Stadium Sleep Out returns for 2025
Danny Jones
Man United have announced the return of the annual Stadium Sleep Out for 2025, with a bigger fundraising target than ever.
Following a hugely successful inaugural edition back in 2022, the now annual Stadium Sleep Out at Old Trafford is back for another year, with more eyes on the crucial charity event than ever.
Confirming the date for the first stadium sleepover as the colder months approach, people from all over Greater Manchester are being invited to come and help generate money for the local homeless community.
For anyone unfamiliar with the fundraiser, United supporters, general football fans and all manner of Mancs are encouraged to come and take part in the Sleep Out that is held under the lights of the famous football ground.
Raising funds in support of relevant local charities that not only help homeless people throughout the North West and beyond, but have a special focus on vulnerable young adults, to amounts generated go towards helping rough sleepers around the region.
A cause we’re sure you’ll agree we can all get behind.
Make that more like £40,000 raised with Centrpoint last year.
Speaking on the most recent iteration of the Stadium Sleep Out, former academy graduate and now retired pro Danny Simpson told The Manc: “I’m a local boy, so it means something to me to try and help my community in any way I can.
“I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact the Foundation has, and it’s been great to hear about the work they’re doing – it’s been a really positive night.”
Not only is it a touching way to try and raise money for a national crisis, but it’s a window into the prevailing hardships of homelessness.
All participants must be 18 years of age or older, but if you’re interested in swapping your bed for a sleeping bag on 7 November, you can find out more HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
20th February 2023 
