NHS urges use of GP, chemist or 111 service during ambulance strike

People in England and Wales advised to only request ambulance if a life is at risk

People experiencing less serious health symptoms are being urged to visit a GP or pharmacy, or use the NHS111 telephone advice service instead of dialling 999, during Wednesday's ambulance strike.

NHS bosses have warned patients that ambulances will take even longer than usual to arrive and that some people may have to make their way to hospital themselves rather than wait for paramedics.