South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust has seen an almost 20% increase in calls to its 999 control room as a cold spell of weather has arrived across the region.
Over the busy Christmas week, there were 14,769 calls to 999 (22-28 December) whereas in the last seven days there have been 17,468 calls (29 Dec-4 Jan).
With SCAS prioritising calls to the most sick and injured patients, the impact of the rise in demand is felt most keenly by patients whose conditions are not serious or life-threatening.
Kirsten Willis-Drewett, assistant director of operations for Thames Valley at SCAS, said: “Whilst we aim to respond to less urgent issues within 2-3 hours, unfortunately for some patients over the last week, that wait time has been significantly longer.
“I would urge people who can make their own way to hospital or an urgent treatment centre to do so. Arriving by ambulance doesn’t mean you get seen quicker than other patients, and a lift from a friend or a taxi may get you there sooner.”
Over half of patients seen by SCAS ambulance crews and paramedics are not then taken to a hospital or other healthcare setting.
Kirsten added: “If you or someone you’re with requires urgent, but not emergency help, please use 111.nhs.uk or call 111. Whichever route you take, you’ll just need to answer a few questions about your main symptoms to get the information and advice you need. This could be directing you to the most appropriate local urgent healthcare service, or a call back from a doctor, nurse or paramedic.”
You should only call 999 for a life-threatening or serious emergency, such as someone not breathing or unresponsive, severe blood loss, serious chest pains, symptoms of stroke, major injury or serious burns.
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