PARAMEDICS are set to walkout for the first time in 40 years in a dispute over pay and conditions.

East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) staff will vote on plans to strike as GMB Union launches an industrial action ballot.

Last week a senior paramedic lifted the lid on plummeting morale, tough working conditions and long hours, at the beleaguered trust which has been operating at its highest level of operational pressure since late summer 2021 

“GMB members in the ambulance service have been forced to take a stand in order to protect patient care,” Lola McEvoy, GMB organiser, said.

“Dedicated ambulance workers are leaving trusts in droves, because the workload pressure is too much and the pay is too poor. 

“Those left behind are fighting to protect themselves, their colleagues and the future of the NHS.”

She added: “They do not take industrial action lightly and haven’t gone on strike for 40 years – but things can’t go on like this; something has to give.”

Last week a senior paramedic at the trust, who did not wish to be named, exclusively told the Echo EEAST was “haemorrhaging staff at an unprecedented rate” – claiming 40 staff had left the service in the last six months.

“Staff who are knackered are resigning,” the senior paramedic said.

“It is now normal to be alone with a patient on your vehicle at A&Ee as you and your crew mate will have been split to try and get more vehicles back on the road.

“You are with your patient for ten hours or more and shift lengths are now commonly 14 hours with no break.” 

GMB has almost 800 EEAST paramedics and ambulance workers on its books; the staff are angry over the Government’s imposed 4 per cent pay award, which leaves them facing yet another massive real terms pay cut, the union says.

The vote comes following a consultative ballot which saw almost 86 per cent of EEAST members who voted say they were in favour of a walk out. 

Ballot dates will be announced in the coming days. 

GMB has also announced a formal strike ballot in Yorkshire, North East, West and East Midlands, North West and London Ambulance Services.