Reduction in services operated by North West Ambulance Service is expected on Wednesday 21st and 28th of December due to industrial action. This means North West Ambulance Service will be running at reduced capacity, prioritising those with life-threatening conditions.
The Lancashire Teaching Hospitals maternity service will continue to offer its full range of services on the days when this is taking place. Homebirth and Chorley Birth Centre services will remain operational during this period.
If you are planning to give birth at home or at Chorley Birth Centre and are 37 weeks or over, you will be contacted by your midwife to discuss your options for labour and birth during the strike period.
If you have any questions or concerns about the industrial action or any aspect of your pregnancy, please contact your midwife for advice.
During the strike action, it is essential that you continue to contact us about any concerns you may have during pregnancy, in labour or in the early postnatal period. If you feel unwell, if you are concerned that your baby is not moving in its usual pattern or you are worried about your baby, please contact Maternity Assessment Suite (Triage) or your midwife for further advice.
- Maternity Assessment Suite (Triage) 01772 524495
- Preston Birth Centre 01772 524592
- Chorley Birth Centre 01257 245116
General advice for patients during ambulance service industrial action
North West Ambulance Service has provided further advice and information to the public for the days of planned industrial action.
Key points:
- Only call 999 in a serious or life-threatening emergency
- If you’re ill or injured, consider alternatives to 999 like your GP, pharmacist, NHS 111, and stock up on prescription medications and over-the-counter remedies to reduce the risk of you falling ill on strike days
- Take extra care during the cold spell to avoid slips, trips and falls, and accidents on the road On the days of strike action the NWAS Patient Transport Service will only prioritise patients attending cancer, renal and palliative care appointments
For more information, visit the North West Ambulance Service website.
