Three workers left to answer 999 calls from across the entire region, reporting up to 82 calls on hold

Unite is warning the staffing crisis in Northern Ireland’s ambulance service is pushing workers beyond breaking point. Members working at the Emergency Operations Control Centre in Knockbracken contacted the union to report that for the second night in a row there were only three emergency medical dispatchers on duty along with a supervisor. Control centre staff answer 999 callers from across Northern Ireland and it is meant to have a staffing complement of 10.

The workers reported that because of the acute staffing shortage, at one point there were 82 emergency calls on hold.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Staffing shortages are creating a dangerous situation throughout Northern Ireland. The failure to act is putting lives at risk and pushing ambulance staff beyond their breaking point.”

Unite has repeatedly highlighted the impact that staffing shortages and poor working conditions were having on paramedics. Members of Unite are approaching the second year of industrial action over poor working conditions which they blame for the staffing crisis.

Regional officer for the workforce is Norman Cunningham who said: “Chronic staffing shortages are hugely impacting staff morale.

“With just three workers expected to answer all the 999 calls in Northern Ireland – staff feel it is no longer safe for the patients or for themselves. Health minister Mike Nesbitt must act to end this crisis.”