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UPDATE on strike action 6 and 7 February 2023

As announced by Welsh Government earlier today, and following negotiations with trade unions, there will be a pause on the majority of industrial strike action planned for Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 February 2023.

Unite members only will continue with strike action, impacting on the service provided by the Welsh Ambulance Services Trust on Monday 6 February.

This action will result in a change of maternity provision between 6pm on Sunday 5th February 2023 and 6am on Tuesday 7th February. For the safety of mothers and babies, we are not offering a service at Tirion Freestanding Birth Centre during this period of time. For women planning homebirth, we would strongly recommend that you access midwifery-led care within a hospital setting.

Our Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) are now open on both days for walk-in appointments for those eligible and over 12 years of age and over.  For children age 5-11 vaccines, please call 01685 726464 to make an appointment.

While we will be maintaining emergency services, we anticipate that demand will increase which may result in longer waits than we would like. Please think if you do need to come to the emergency unit or if you can access alternative advice or care such as your community pharmacy.

For patients directly affected by these changes, the Health Board appreciates this may be frustrating but hopes the public understand the need to keep services safe.

The public is encouraged to:

  • Use the NHS 111 Wales website for free health advice and information in the first instance that includes a helpful symptom checker.
  • Consider using community pharmacies for a range of heath advice including the Common Ailments Scheme. A list of community pharmacies that are available out of hours is available here.
  • Stock up on prescription medications and over the counter remedies for common ailments to reduce the risk of falling ill on strike days.
  • Ensure you have adequate first aid kit supplies in the event you need to administer self-care for minor injuries at home.
  • Take extra care during the cold weather to avoid slips, trips and falls, and accidents on the road.
  • Look out for family, friends and neighbours who are especially vulnerable.

Please only call 999 in a serious or life-threatening emergency to keep Welsh Ambulance Services precious resources for those who need them most.

The Health Board thanks all patients, public, and communities for their understanding in this matter and would like to thank CTMUHB staff who continue to work hard for their patients and communities in very challenging circumstances.

 

 

03/02/2023