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UK EMS providers, dispatchers, nurses plan to strike
A union leader said staff shortages and delays would continue until the British government increases wages
By Leila Merrill
EMS1
LONDON — EMS providers, dispatchers, nurses and others in England, Wales and Northern Ireland plan to strike in December, the BBC reported.
Christina McAnea, general secretary for Unision, the biggest union in the British health service, said that ambulance services are struggling.
Response times are reportedly long.
The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives warned last week of "crippling delays."
McAnea urged the government to increase wages and said that until that happens, staff shortages and delays would continue.
"Patients will always come first, and emergency cover will be available during any strike," McAnea said.
Unions in Scotland are considering a new pay offer.
