PEOPLE are being urged to think carefully before dialling 999 ahead of strike action affecting South Western Ambulance Service (SWASFT).

The ambulance service is warning residents that they should only call 999 in the case of a life threatening or life altering emergency tomorrow.

They’ve reassured patients that the NHS “remains open to anyone that needs it” but that people should be prepared to “make their own way “ to an alternative NHS service where safe to do so.

It comes as the latest round of UNISON strikes on Wednesday, January 11, when ambulance workers will stage a 24 hour walk-out over pay and conditions with the union saying the NHS is "on its knees".

Wayne Darch, Deputy Director of Operations, at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “On Wednesday 11 January ambulance workers will be taking industrial action, so we’re again calling on the public to help us to help those most in need of our emergency care services.

“The best way the public can help us is by only calling 999 for life threatening emergencies, we absolutely must have crews available for the most life-threatening conditions and we will be prioritising these patients.

“We know there will be patients waiting for an ambulance, and we will get to them as soon as we can. We are sorry that we may be unable to respond as quickly as we would like.

“Patients should be aware that less serious, non-life threatening incidents may not receive a response for the duration of the strike action, or that we will ask people to try and make their own way to an alternative NHS service where it is safe to do so.

UNSON said that “proper pay talks” were needed in order to end strike action.

Jon Richards, UNISON assistant general secretary, said: “The government is picking ill-advised fights with NHS employees and unions to mask years of dismal failure to tackle pay and staffing.

“There’s a much simpler way for Rishi Sunak to put a swift end to strikes in the NHS and other sectors. That’s to allow his ministers to begin direct pay negotiations immediately to boost wages, retain experienced staff and improve patient care.