Information for patients: RCN strike action on Tuesday 20th December and ambulance strikes in December

Posted 19th December 2022


Industrial action by Royal College of Nursing (RCN)

The Royal College of Nursing is taking strike action on Tuesday 20th December 2022 at hospitals across England, including The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

We have been working closely with the RCN and have extensive plans in place. We expect to deliver services including chemotherapy and other systemic anti-cancer therapies, radiotherapy, diagnostics, inpatient care, many outpatient consultations and urgent cancer care. (We do not provide surgery.)

Patients should continue to attend as planned unless we contact them directly to say otherwise. Some appointments have been brought forward to dates before the strike; other patients will be seen within the next few days.


If you need urgent advice / care

Our Hotline team is available 24/7 – including the strike days – on 0800 169 5555 for anyone who is currently being treated at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre or who completed treatment in the last six weeks and who needs urgent care or advice (e.g. due to treatment side-effects).

For general health advice and queries - including an online symptom checker - visit 111 online (111.nhs.uk)

Call 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.


Industrial action by ambulance staff

Staff at some ambulance services in England and Wales are taking industrial action on Wednesday 21st December. Some staff will also take industrial action on Wednesday 28th December.

Ambulance patient transport services (PTS) for oncology are expected to continue on strike days:

  • This means your ambulance transport should continue as planned.
  • However, if you have been contacted to say your transport will not be available, please don't cancel your appointment with us. Instead, call us on the phone number in your appointment letter or text message so we can discuss alternative transport.
  • If your ambulance transport is running late on strike days, please do not worry. Come to the hospital anyway - we will do all we can to see you when you arrive.

If you have any queries or questions about ambulance patient transport services (PTS):

  • Contact your PTS provider directly
  • If you need further help, call the number on your appointment letter or text message from The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre