London, Dec 21 (EFE).- The UK health secretary on Wednesday asked people in England and Wales to use their “common sense” and be “mindful” about their activities amid an ambulance drivers strike.
Steve Barclay said that the National Health Service is expected to be “under very severe pressure” as thousands of workers walked out to demand better wages to face inflation, which has already reached 11.1%.
In an interview with Sky News, Barclay said that contingency plans have been put in place but health services are expected to be limited.
NHS to attend only Category 1 calls
Some 750 members of the armed forces will be deployed, although their work is expected to be limited as they will not provide medical assistance.
During the strike, the NHS will only attend Category 1 calls, in which a patient has “a life-threatening condition, such as cardiac or respiratory arrest.”
In case of urgent assistance, the NHS has asked the public to contact the online emergency service to avoid making phone calls.
The service also urged the public to avoid unnecessary car trips and some sporting activities.
The ambulance workers’ strike follows a walkout by thousands of nurses in the country on Tuesday. EFE
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