North West paramedics stage third walkout

Paramedics in Cheshire and across the North West are striking today as part of an ongoing dispute with North West Ambulance Service.

The industrial action is the third in a series of strikes that started in mid June as the latest part of the long running pay dispute with North West Ambulance Service.

A ballot of members saw more than 84% of those who responded vote for the strike action to begin in June.

GMB members will walk out for six hours at the start of thier day shift. 

Michael Forrest, Interim Chief Executive for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), said:

"As with previous days of action we will do all we can to minimise any impact on the public and it is fair to say that the action so far has had little impact on our ability to respond to patients. However,  these strikes do have the potential to cause some delays, particularly to the less urgent calls so while we have robust plans to ensure as much cover as possible, we ask the public to help us by only calling 999 for an ambulance for life-threatening or potentially life-threatening emergencies. For non-emergency health concerns, alternative care and advice can be found though local pharmacies, GP surgeries, walk-in centres or NHS111."