“Use 999 wisely” plea

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) said it had taken steps to protect its services throughout the periods of planned strike action by members of Unite the Union, but bosses are still urging the general public to only call the number in an emergency.

Staff from Unite the Union, which represents around seven per cent of Yorkshire Ambulance Service, are due to walk out between 3pm and 8pm today and Monday in protest at proposed shift patterns.

The union claims the changes could mean staff work up to ten hours without a meal break.

David Whiting, chief executive at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “Our plans to maintain high standards of patient care and minimise any impact from previous episodes of strike action were effective and we have taken steps to ensure our service remains just as resilient this time.

“We would like to reassure members of the public that our contingency plans continue to focus on providing a safe, responsive and high-quality emergency service which remains the Trust's top priority.

“We would appreciate the co-operation of the general public and would, once again, like to remind people to use our services wisely.  

“Please only call 999 for an ambulance when someone has a life-threatening or serious illness or injury.  

“Anyone requiring advice or treatment for a non-emergency situation or minor ailment should consider options such as self-care, a visit to a local pharmacist, contacting the NHS 111 urgent care service or their GP, visiting a walk-in centre or minor injuries unit.”

To find your nearest non-emergency service, visit http://www.nhs.uk/service-search or call 111.