‘In 22 years I’ve never seen the NHS so bad’: London ambulance workers prepare to strike

London Ambulance Service workers are set to go on strike tomorrow amid one of the most challenging periods for the NHS in generations.

Paramedics and drivers are set for their second strike in three weeks as they continue to pressure the government into negotiating a better pay settlement.

The healthcare workers are striking over a four per cent pay rise which has been labelled “insulting” by the organising union, the LAS Unison.

Marcus Davis, who works at the Waterloo ambulance station in Waterloo Road, is the union representative for Central and South East London.

He has been a paramedic for 22 years and said the problems were twofold – paramedics are not being paid enough and the state of the NHS is affecting their ability to do their jobs properly.

“What I’m seeing now in the NHS I’ve never seen in 22 years,” he said. “Patients are waiting longer and longer to be handed over. The problems are in social care as well where you’re seeing ambulances called for things that don’t warrant callouts because people can’t see their GPs.

“It’s also about pay. Year-on-year our pay has not been reflective of experience or the work we do.”

Mr Davis said the union was not yet asking for a specific pay figure, just the opportunity to negotiate with the Government.

“If the Government sat down to negotiate the union might suspend industrial action. We don’t take action lightly.

“For me personally, my outgoings have increased. There are simple things I can’t afford anymore like going on holiday, or shopping at the same supermarket.

“My daughter is at university and we’re trying to pay for her accommodation. We’re constantly trying to find value for money.”

Mr Davis lives in Kent and said the majority of his colleagues no longer live in London because they cannot afford it.

A statement from the London Ambulance Service said: “UNISON members of the London Ambulance Service team are set to take part in the industrial action for 12 hours from 11am to 11pm on Wednesday.

“On the day of industrial action, there will be fewer ambulances on the roads and fewer staff in our control rooms triaging 999 calls.

“As a result, patients may find it takes longer to get through to these services. Those whose conditions are not life-threatening are unlikely to get an ambulance.

“Where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support will be available through NHS111 online. Please be aware that, where possible, you may be advised to arrange alternative transport to hospital.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “Today’s ambulance strike is an unwelcome return to unnecessary disruption and comes at a time when the NHS is already under huge pressure from Covid and flu.

“While we have contingency plans in place, including support from the military, community first responders and extra call handlers, to mitigate risks to patient safety, there will inevitably be some disruption for patients with fewer ambulances on the road.

“Patients should continue to call 999 for life-saving care and use NHS 111 online services for urgent health advice.”

Pictured top: Marcus Davis (Picture: Simon Davis)