'WE are seeing far too many patients not getting the treatment they deserve' - that's the message from striking ambulance workers today who have taken to picket lines in Wales and across the UK.
Around 1,500 ambulance workers in Wales are taking part in strikes as the GMB union take action over pay and conditions.
This follows strikes by members of the Royal College of Nursing, which are also happening today, and Thursday, December 15.
At a Wales Ambulance Service depot at Brecon House in Caerphilly a picket line of workers had formed and their message was clear - the NHS is crumbling after years of austerity and workers are striking to highlight these problems.
Wales Ambulance Service workers under the GMB union take strike action today
John Phillips, GMB work place organiser, said: "A mandate has been given by employees to improve conditions within the NHS and improve the pay and conditions for NHS staff and for social care. We are seeing far too many patients who are not getting the treatment they deserve through the NHS.
"Generally the NHS is crumbling at its knees, it is under invested after years of austerity. We are today on strike to highlight these issues and we hope that the public will support us.
"We are here for emergency responses, we haven't neglected the public."
From right: Cerys Bennett, Daniel nitschmann-roberts, Lauren Loder, Jo rees-griffiths, Mel Murphy, Charlotte Hardy
Strike action outside Vantage Point House, Caerphilly
Pictured above is Lee Brooks – executive director of operations for Wales Ambulance Service. Mr Brooks told the South Wales Argus that preparation within the service has taken place to ensure that critical ambulance units are available during the strikes.
Mr Brooks went on to say he wanted to make sure his people were ok while they strike for what he called legitimate reasons, and went on to admit patients have been advised if possible, to make their own way to hospital during this time.
"We have been working really hard with our people to respect the decisions they make which are personal and legitimate decisions for them," said Mr Brooks.
"There has been a lot of pre-planning work recognising disruption. Where it has been possible for patients to transport themselves they have done that.
"If you need us call us. We are still able to dispatch services, but we are asking the public to think very carefully about dialling 999."
See the video below of a heartfelt but measured plea from John Phillips, urgent care assistant at Beacon House, Cwmbran, who explains why the strikes are happening today.
Below are photos of strikers in Bassaleg at the ambulance station off Park View road.
Strikers were out in force over a dispute about pay.
Mal Jones, duty operations manager at Bassaleg (red jacket), said staff are finding it tough.
The Bassaleg ambulance station saw strikers, today December 21.
There was an emotional plea from paramedic Sharon Thorpe who has worked in the area for 30 years and said she has seen patient experience levels plummet in that time.
Sharon, who was at the Bassaleg strikes, told The Argus: "There is no doubt the patient experience is dire. Our experiences as clinicians is dire.
"There is harm being caused already and this is what makes it so difficult for us to tick that box, but we cannot carry on like this. We need to provide a service to the public and that costs.
"The NHS is about the people who work for it, it is ours, it does not belong to anyone else and our NHS will last as long as people are willing to fight for it.
"This is about pay, it has to be, but it is also about the issues the ambulance service is having. I hate to quote quotes but enough is enough."
Paramedic Sharon Thorpe told The Argus enough was enough
The Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan, has urged people to take extra care and only call 999 for life-threatening or serious emergencies during the ambulance strikes.
Ambulance services are expected to be severely impacted by industrial action, as the first of two separate days of planned strike action by some ambulance staff begins tomorrow. The GMB union has announced its members in the ambulance services will go on strike on 21 and 28 December.
The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust (WAST) expects the number of emergency ambulances able to attend patients will be significantly affected on strike days.
Non-emergency patient transport, which helps people attend hospital appointments, will also be affected, as will non-clinical call handlers in WAST’s contact centres and some support services.
WAST has warned only life-threatening illnesses or injuries are likely to receive an emergency response on strike days. Patients are advised not to call 999 unless someone is very seriously ill or injured, or there is an immediate risk to life.
The very sickest patients will continue to be prioritised, while less seriously ill or injured patients will not receive an ambulance response. This might also mean patients being asked to make their own way to hospital, where their life is not in danger, provided they feel safe to do so.
People are advised to use the NHS 111 Wales website for health advice where there is no immediate threat to life, or speak to or visit a pharmacist, GP or minor injuries unit.
Health Minister Eluned Morgan said:
“There’s no doubt the two days of industrial action, following hard on the heels of action by nurses which have caused a delay in treatment for thousands of patients in Wales, are going to cause huge pressure on ambulance services. Ambulances will only be able to respond to the most urgent calls on strike days.
“Please don’t add extra pressure on services on these days and consider carefully what activities you take part in tomorrow and on the 28th.
“It’s important to call 999 if you are in immediate danger, but we must all consider very carefully how we use ambulance services on these days.
“It’s vital that all of us, as users of our NHS, do all we can to minimise pressure on our health service during the industrial action.”
Everyone can help relieve the pressure by:
Stocking up on prescription medications and over the counter remedies for common ailments to reduce the risk of you falling ill on strike days.
Ensuring you have adequate first aid kit supplies in the event you need to administer self-care for minor injuries at home.
Taking extra care during the cold weather to avoid slips, trips and falls, and accidents on the road.
Looking out for family, friends and neighbours who are especially vulnerable.
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