People living in Lichfield and Burntwood are being reminded to only dial 999 in an emergency as ambulance staff take part in the nationwide day of strikes by public sector workers.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said it was “vital” that the public played their part in helping manage the situation which has seen eight per cent of the organisation’s staff take part in industrial action.
WMAS Director of Service Delivery, Barry Thurston, said: “We have already seen demand at a level that is putting us under significant pressure.
“Although we have put a number of arrangements in place to protect the most serious 999 calls, it is essential that all members of the public use other parts of the NHS to access healthcare unless it is truly life threatening. People should use alternatives such as minor injury units, walk in centres, pharmacists, NHS Direct and self care.
“The 999 service is only for conditions and injuries such as stroke, chest pain, severe blood loss, difficulty breathing and unconsciousness.
“I would like to thank operational and control centre staff for continuing to provide an emergency service to patients in the West Midlands during the day of action.”