Ambulance Strike: NHS Sussex Says Call If Your 'Life Is At Risk'

NHS Sussex has issued advice for the public during the industrial action by unions taking place today (Dec 21) that will impact on the availability of ambulance services in Sussex.  

• Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases - when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
• Patients 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 an immediate risk to life.
• There will be fewer ambulances on the roads during industrial action, with the NHS prioritising those with life-threatening needs. As a result, patients whose conditions are not life-threatening are unlikely to get an ambulance on strike days.
• 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.

 Other information for the public during tomorrow’s day of industrial action:   

If you have not been contacted, attend your appointment as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.

GP services are not impacted by this strike action. Please continue to attend your GP appointments, unless you are contacted and told otherwise.

The military is assisting ambulance crews and families have been dropping loved ones at the hospital by car.

If you need medical help or advice, go to NHS 111 online unless it is a life-threatening emergency when you should still call 999.

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.

“And using 111 online for other health needs where you will receive clinical advice on the best next steps to take.

“But people can also help by taking sensible steps to keep themselves and others safe during this period and not ending up in A&E – whether that is drinking responsibly or checking up on a family member of neighbour who may be particularly vulnerable to make sure they are ok.

“NHS staff have worked hard to minimise disruption but it is inevitable as with any industrial action that we will see an impact on services but it is vital if you need lifesaving care, to continue to come forward.”