UK Asks Citizens To Stay Safe, Sober Over Holidays Amid Ambulance Strike
People across the United Kingdom have been warned to mind their drinking habits this holiday season due to an expected reduction in emergency personnel due to an upcoming strike.
The recommendation comes as over 10,000 emergency workers and National Health Service employees in England and Wales have planned a two-day strike over pay issues. The strike is also set to include other public service workers like mail workers, rail workers and barristers. The strike is expected to greatly reduce the amount of ambulances available and officials want to ensure people in need have care.
"Don't get so drunk that you end up with an unnecessary visit to A&E," said NHS Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis said on BBC radio.
"There is no doubt that the NHS is facing extreme pressure and industrial action will add to the already record demand we are seeing on urgent and emergency care," Powis added.
There is concern that the strike will affect patients and their needed care while the workers are gone. This has caused ambulance and hospital trusts to declare "critical incidents" across the country that will help put focus on resources for patients in need.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Tuesday at the Liaison Committee that she believes their pay is fair and that the real issue is inflation.
"I've acknowledged it is difficult for everybody because inflation is where it is. And the best way to help them and help everyone else in the country is for us to get a grip and reduce inflation as quickly as possible," Sunak explained.
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