Taxis could be ‘block-booked’ to provide ambulance services during strike action says Government

Patients could be forced into taxis if hospital ambulance drivers strike as planned.

Members of the public requiring medical assistance could be sent a taxi to take them to hospital for treatment on Thursday, if the emergency falls outside of the top category levels.

Health Minister Will Quince said emergency vehicles will continue to be used for the most urgent 999 calls, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Less serious emergencies could see black cabs sent to aid people in need as the Government look at block-booking taxis during the strike action.

Speaking at the House of Commons today, Health Minister Will Quince said: “On the days of ambulance strike action it’s likely that category 1 and category 2 calls, where there is an immediate threat to life, will be responded to.

“We are looking at ways in which we can provide additional support for category 3 and category 4, including things like block-booking taxis and things like support through community healthcare and local authorities and community support.”

Taxi drivers could join military personnel as workers to cover during the strike. Around 750 members of the armed forces will be deployed next week as 10,000 ambulance workers walk out over concerns around pay and working conditions.