MINISTER SAYS TAXIS COULD TAKE PATIENTS TO HOSPITAL DURING THE AMBULANCE STRIKE

BY CATHY NICOLE CARR

Will Quince, the minister of state for health and social care, has said that taxis may be used to get patients to hospital during the upcoming ambulance strikes.

The paramedics will be striking on December 21 and December 28, and NHS bosses and the government are trying to come up with a plan to minimise disruption.

The ambulances that ARE available will be used for the most serious of emergencies, such as strokes and heart attacks, but more minor issues could be attended by other forms of transport.

Mr Quince told the House of Commons:

«On the days of ambulance strike action it's likely that category 1 and category 2 calls, where there is an immediate threat to life, will be responded to.

«We are looking at ways in which we can provide additional support for category 3 and category 4, including things like block-booking taxis and things like support through community healthcare and local authorities and community support.»

The paramedics are striking in a dispute over pay.

Taxis to take patients to hospital

DO YOU SUPPORT THE PARAMEDICS? DECEMBER 13 19 ANSWERS
ABSOLUTELY, THIS IS THE ONLY WAY.	8	42.1 %
NO! PEOPLE WILL DIE!	11	57.9 %
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