Double time for paramedics
Paramedics in the West Midlands are being paid double time to work extra shifts during the winter rush, while some doctors surgeries are being asked to cut short their Christmas breaks.
West Midlands Ambulance Service is currently experiencing one of its busiest spells in years as a flu-like bug sweeps the region and the cold snap takes hold. Those who work in the service's control rooms such as the one in Brierley Hill are also eligible for the extra pay.
It is offered to anyone who is not due to work but agrees to come in and work extra to help meet demand.
Meanwhile family doctors in parts of the region are being asked to open on Saturday to cope with the surge in demand.
Director of Birmingham East and North Primary Care Trust, Nicola Benge, said a total of 43 practices out of 82 would be opening on Saturday.
"Obviously this is a very busy time of year for the emergency services and I am pleased that so many surgeries are going to be opening for patients," she said.
"The increase in demand has certainly been very high, so anything that we can do to help the emergency services is a bonus."
In the week paramedics are paid time and a half for extra shifts they are not on the rota to work and on weekends and bank holidays they are in line to receive double pay.
Anthony Marsh, chief executive of West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "Staff in the emergency operations centres and crews out on the road have offered to cancel annual leave and are working overtime to ensure as many resources are available to deal with the increased workload."
