The Welsh Ambulance Service is facing a crisis with hundreds of unanswered 999 calls and a backlog of ambulances waiting outside hospitals. The service has declared a 'critical incident' due to the unprecedented demand and significant delays in hospital handover.
The Welsh Ambulance Service has declared a 'critical incident' due to a surge in demand for its 999 service and lengthy hospital handover delays. The service reported over 340 calls waiting to be answered at the time of the declaration. Additionally, more than half of the trust's ambulances were stuck outside hospitals waiting to transfer patients. As a result, some patients have faced extended wait times for ambulances, and call response times have also been affected.
To address this, the service has implemented its critical incident plan to maintain public service and alleviate pressure. Stephen Sheldon, head of service, stated that the declaration was rare, but the high demand and over 90 ambulances delayed at hospitals significantly impacted their ability to assist patients. He acknowledged the frustration for patients and emphasized their ongoing efforts to alleviate the pressure. Sheldon urged the public to utilize 999 only for life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, chest pain, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, choking, or catastrophic bleeding. For non-life-threatening situations, he recommended exploring alternatives like symptom checkers on the NHS 111 Wales website, GPs, pharmacists, and Minor Injuries Units
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