East of England Ambulance Service issues 999 warning as crews brace for ‘exceptionally busy’ weekend
The ambulance service for Hertfordshire and Essex is urging people to call 999 only in a life-threatening emergency as an “exceptionally busy” weekend approaches.
The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) moved to its highest alert level on New Year’s Eve (Tuesday) in response to high demand across the region.
In the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day it received more than 39,000 calls – an unprecedented increase of 7,500 calls compared to a typical eight-day period in the summer, leading to increased pressure at hospitals and longer waiting times for ambulances to hand over patients.
As temperatures plummet, EEAST is expecting the weekend (January 4-5) to be “exceptionally busy” and is asking people to think before calling 999.
Chief executive Neill Moloney said: “I urge the public to only call 999 if there is a life-threatening emergency.
“Many people will be treated more quickly by using 111, seeing their GP or making their own way to hospital. Arriving by ambulance will not mean you will be seen more quickly.
“Patients with immediately life-threatening conditions are our priority and those with less serious conditions may experience a delayed response. If it is safe to do so, they should find alternative care. I apologise in advance to anyone who experiences delays.
“I would also like to express my thanks to our colleagues who are working tirelessly to keep people safe during this busy period. From those on the road to our call handlers, dispatchers, support staff and Make Ready operatives, keeping our vehicles on the road. Their work is vital in ensuring our health system can deliver care to those who need it most.”
EEAST’s move to operate at Resource Escalation Action Plan (REAP) Level 4 comes after a sustained high volume of calls, a significant and sustained number of patients waiting to be handed over at hospitals and in response to anticipated increased demand due to cold weather.
To manage this increase in demand, it has: