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Ambulance strike: Paramedics and others walk out in England and Wales

Ambulance strike: Paramedics and others walk out in England and Wales – BBC News

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Summary

  1. Tens of thousands of ambulance staff, including paramedics and operators, strike in England and Wales over pay dispute
  2. The impact will vary by region, but significant disruption is expected and NHS chiefs have warned that patient safety is at risk
  3. Ambulances will still respond to life-threatening situations, but for everything else the NHS has advised people to use 111 online
  4. The public has been told to take extra care, drink responsibly and contact vulnerable family and friends
  5. Around 750 members of the armed forces have been drafted in to help and some will drive patients with less urgent conditions to and from hospital
  6. The strike involves members of Unison, Unite and GMB unions who want a pay rise above inflation – but the government has said no
  7. Not all unions strike at the same times and the East of England Ambulance Service is not planning to strike at all
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