Industrial action 'affecting amputees'

The industrial action taken by ambulance drivers is affecting amputees, making it difficult for them to attend their hospital appointments.

Amputees 4 Amputees pointed out that they depended "exclusively" on ambulances to attend to their hospital appointments, such as physiotherapy. If they failed to go to hospital, amputees risked developing complications that would affect their chances of rehabilitation.

"The association is especially concerned about attendance at the upcoming prosthetic clinic... held once every six weeks. It is, as such, extremely important for amputees not to miss any of their appointments (there)," the organisation said.

The General Workers' Union last week ordered ambulance drivers to provide reduced services as it accused the Social Policy Ministry of discriminating between employees in the same rank.