Ambulance staff strike 10 February

Ambulance service staff in London are taking strike action on Friday 10 February for 12 hours, from 11am—11pm.

Our A&E departments are expected to be very busy with significant delays and extended waits. We assess (triage) all patients on arrival and patients are treated according to clinical priority, not arrival time. You may wait longer than someone who arrived after you with a more urgent condition. We apologise if you have to wait for a considerable period of time before you are seen—we are working to see everyone as quickly and safely as possible.

Please note that some patients are still arriving by ambulance and not via the waiting room. These patients often require immediate medical care and treatment.

• Information on homebirths during the strike

Could I be seen more quickly by using another service?

• Pharmacy: Your local pharmacist is also an expert in medicines who can help you with minor health concerns. As qualified healthcare professionals, they offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats etc. You do not need an appointment. Many pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff. Find a pharmacy near you.
• GP: Your GP practice is not affected by this strike action—you may be able to get a rapid appointment with your own GP.
• NHS 111: If you need urgent care but it isn't life threatening you can also visit NHS 111 or call 111 to access the NHS care you need in the right place. A trained advisor will assess you and direct you to the most appropriate place to receive care.