STRIKE: 999 calls only, urge ambulance bosses

A spokeswoman for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust said it was not yet clear how many of its 4,500 had actually joined the strike.

She said the service was concentrating on 999 emergency calls involving life-threatening illnesses and injuries, although it was taking a little longer than usual to get to these cases.

The trust’s chief executive, David Whiting, said that the situation was being kept under constant review.

"We have taken a number of steps to ensure we keep the level of disruption to patient care to a minimum while some staff are taking part in the national industrial action., “ he said.

“However, to help us as much as possible I would urge members of the public only to call 999 for an ambulance in an emergency when it is obvious that someone has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.

"We also ask that anyone requiring advice or treatment for a non-emergency situation or minor ailment considers options such as self-care, a visit to a local pharmacist, GP surgery or walk-in centre.

"Our staff and volunteers are working extremely hard to ensure we are able to provide emergency medical assistance for local people who call upon us for help. I would also like to thank members of the public for their patience and would ask for their continued support and understanding throughout the day."

The trust has cancelled its non-emergency Patient Transport Service for patients due to attend routine appointments at hospital clinics.

However, the service is operating for patients with urgent medical needs such as essential renal and oncology treatments.

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