NHS staff will walk out again on Monday as part of a morning of national strike action over pay.

Trade unions GMB, Unison and Unite have confirmed their members, which will include paramedics, nurses and midwives, will be taking industrial action from 7am to 11am .

A North West Ambulance Service spokesman said exemptions will be made for all life-threatening and potentially life-threatening calls and if a major incident occurs.

Derek Cartwright, director of operations, said: “The Trust is exploring all avenues to maintain as much of the service as possible and volunteer and private agencies such as Red Cross, St John’s Ambulance and mountain rescue teams are in discussions with NWAS with regard to how they will be available to respond to patients during the strike.

“We would always ask patients to consider this advice but it is especially important that, during the hours of the strike, the public only call us for urgent life-threatening emergencies.

"With a possible reduced workforce, it is imperative that ambulances and crews are available for those with critical conditions and the public’s help in this would be greatly appreciated."