STRIKING ambulance crews will cross the picket line to answer life-threatening calls, it was agreed yesterday.

The North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) said it had struck an agreement with its three recognised trade unions — GMB, Unison, and United — whose members will down tools from 7am until 11am on Monday.

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GMB and Unite said its members would attend life-threatening incidents, and could attend less serious calls, while Unison members will go to life-threatening calls only for control centres with 50 per cent of staff.

Those in less serious situations can still call 999 for advice, but will face ‘lengthy delays’ for an ambulance.

And only patients with renal, oncology and paediatric appointments will be able to access Patient Transport Services.

Others are being warned to call their clinic to make sure it is open, and to arrange their own transport.

Director of emergency services, Derek Cartwright, said: “We really won’t know until the day how many staff are going on strike or how many will agree to attend incidents.

“We’re pleased there has been recognition that a service is needed for those with life-threatening conditions but we would like to see Unison exemptions in line with our other recognised unions. Their proposals means we could struggle to find crews who are happy to attend the calls.”

He continued: “Crews are also being instructed to return to the picket line once they have taken a patient to hospital, which means the trust will not be able to allocate the crew to an incident occurring on their way back to the picket line.”

GMB regional officer Ray Carrick added: “GMB has worked closely with NWAS management to ensure that a reasonable level of emergency cover is maintained during the four hour period of the strike action.”

The industrial action was decided as part of a national pay dispute and is not specific to NWAS.