Major disruption as Welsh Ambulance staff strike but 'demand is manageable'Only life-threatening calls were being responded to for the first of two planned strike days over the Christmas period
People were advised to only call 999 if they are seriously ill or injured and there is a risk to life with calls also expected to see major delays and wait times. In some cases it was reported that staff were asking patients to make their own way to hospital if treatment was required.
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https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/major-disruption-welsh-ambulance-staff-25811586Ambulance strike: A&Es braced for influx of post-strike patientsHospitals were quieter than normal during Wednesday's ambulance strikes, but Thursday is likely to be "very challenging" with lots of patients turning up, health bosses say.
Only the most serious 999 calls were responded to.
But there was no evidence of people going to A&E in taxis or their own cars, NHS Providers told the BBC.
Thousands of paramedics, call handlers and technicians took action in England and Wales on Wednesday.
Chief executive of the NHS Confederation, Matthew Taylor, said while there had been a reduction in 999 calls on Wednesday there had been an increase in people phoning 111, as well as more people being referred to out-of-hospital services.
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-64053080Doctors in Wales consider striking for the first timeAlmost two-thirds of hospital doctors surveyed by the British Medical Association (BMA) Cymru said they would be willing to take some form of industrial action.
The BMA's Welsh Council chairwoman, Dr Iona Collins, said the result of the survey was "upsetting to all".
The Welsh government said it understands the strength of feeling among doctors about the pay offer.
Dr Iona Collins added that it was "gut-wrenching for doctors to consider walking away from work".
"Without action now, patients will continue to suffer as a direct consequence of an under-funded NHS with insufficient direct clinical care."
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-64062631