HUNDREDS of thousands of health workers have walked out on strike, many for the first time in their lives, in protest at the Government's decision not to give them a recommended one per cent pay rise.

Midwives, nurses, paramedics, ambulance staff, and hospital porters and cleaners mounted picket lines across England, including Worcester, from 7am for four hours.

Several trade unions are involved in the action, including those representing nurses, paramedics, hospital porters and ambulance crews as well as the Royal College of Midwives (RCM).

The strike, the biggest of its kind for over 30 years, will be followed by other forms of industrial action for the rest of the week, ahead of a national protest in London on Saturday organised by the TUC under the banner Britain Needs A Pay Rise.

The dispute involves over 400,000 NHS staff, who have been hit by pay freezes or below inflation rises since the coalition came to power in 2010.

Unite said a poll it commissioned showed public support for the industrial action as well as backing for a decent pay rise.

Dave Prentis, Unison's general secretary said: "Our NHS members don't take action often or lightly. For many, it will be the first time they walk out as the last action over pay was 32 years ago.

"But what NHS workers also don't do is walk out on patients. Safety is paramount and we have been working with employers to ensure urgent patient care is not compromised. Patient safety is paramount and life and limb cover will be provided.

"I reiterate my offer to Jeremy Hunt to reconsider his pay policy and negotiate with trade unions to avoid more industrial action as we get closer to the winter pressures."

People in Worcestershire are being asked only to call 999 or go to A&E in a genuine emergency.
 

West Midlands Ambulance Service has said as a result of the action it may be unable to respond to less serious cases such as cuts, minor fractures and non-life threatening injuries.

Likewise hospitals in the county are likely to be even more stretched than normal, so patients are advised only to go if they are in urgent need of treatment.

Speaking on Sunday, WMAS assistant chief ambulance officer Mark Gough said it was not known how many staff members were striking, but it was expected to be a significant number.

“The public has an important part to play in this and we ask you not to call 999 unless it is a real, genuine, life-threatening emergency,” he said.

“We are doing all we can to get as many ambulances and rapid response vehicles on the road.

“In order to preserve a service to those most in need we are working on contingency plans which include clinical managers responding to 999 calls.

“Staff who are not union members will be at work as normal.”

Anyone unsure of what they should do during the strike is advised to call NHS 111.