In the South East Coast Ambulance Service region, the GMB Union balloted members for industrial action and met the legal threshold to take action. GMB issued a formal notice for strike action for 21 December (06:00 to 23:59) & 28 December (00:01 to 23:59) 2022.
Following the announcement of industrial action, we have worked closely with our unions and all staff to ensure that the impact of any industrial action on our patients is kept to a minimum.
We have worked with our local GMB Union branch to agree an approach for the days when industrial actions is taking place.
This has focussed on consideration to support colleagues’ right to take action in collaboration with potential impacts on patient care. The priority throughout has been balancing patient safety with the right to strike.
As ever, we will be working hard to respond to patients and prioritising our response to our most seriously ill and injured patients.
Anyone not facing a life-threatening emergency is likely to wait longer for a response or be directed to alternative care.
We ask that people seek help and advice from alternatives including their own GP, a pharmacist, or via NHS 111 Online at 111.nhs.uk
Further information is available to the public here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/information-for-the-public-on-industrial-action/