Elizabeth Fish

Staff from East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) will go on strike for a second time on November 24 over pay.

The strike, which will run from 7am until 11am, is the second strike taking place due to a continued NHS pay dispute.

There will also be further action taken by staff throughout the next week just short of a strike in addition to Monday’s action.

According to EMAS, during the first strike on October 13, 10% of the work force took full strike action, with 50% of staff working normally.

Sue Noyes, Chief Executive at EMAS said: “Our contingency plans and negotiations with colleagues and Trade Unions helped us mitigate the impact the previous national strike had on our service.

“We will take the same approach this time and continue to work in partnership, both regionally and nationally, to ensure we continue to deliver emergency care, save lives and reduce any unnecessary anxiety and concern for our patients.

“The national strike will cause difficulties for all UK ambulance services and the public are reminded to use 999 appropriately during this challenging period.

“The action will affect non life-threatening emergency calls because our priority will have to be those who require an immediate response.

“Other NHS services are available to support people with minor illness or injury – they include NHS 111, general practitioner, local pharmacy or walk-in/urgent care centre.

“Thank you in advance to people in our local communities for using our emergency service appropriately.”

The Bishop of Lincoln will be making a visit to Lincolnshire County Council’s gritting team depot, just north of Lincoln, in order to bless the local team.

The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Christopher Lowson, will bless the gritting team at Sturton-by-Stow before the colder, icy weather sets in on November 24.

The ceremony is part of the council’s winter preparations, including assesing how much salt is in stock for gritting and test driving the fleet of gritters.

The Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Christopher Lowson, said: “The annual blessing of the gritting teams is an opportunity to thank them for their hard work in all weathers and at all hours to make the roads as safe as possible.

Gritting salt mix stock at the Sturton by Stow Highways depot, which covers the north Lincoln area as well.

“Many Lincolnshire people live in rural areas, and are grateful for the gritted roads when it comes to getting to the shops, doctors, or even checking on family and friends during the colder months. At the ceremony, we will bless the equipment and pray for the teams’ safety.”

County Councillor Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways and Transport, added: “All 43 of our gritters are ready to take on the challenges that this winter could bring to our roads, and the Bishop’s blessing will see our teams through the colder months ahead.

“However, there are occasions when salt won’t completely clear the road, so we’d like to remind motorists to drive safely this winter and stay up-to-date with weather conditions and the latest information on the roads. Don’t forget, you can always find out more by following us on Twitter for the latest.”