Press Association
LONDON — The NHS is coming under increased pressure due to the cold weather, with some ambulances struggling to move along icy roads and a rise in 999 calls, including in London.
The number of people admitted to hospital through A&E is known to rise as temperatures drop, with more people tripping and falling. The London Ambulance Service said that on Thursday 999 calls had risen by 13% in the last two days compared to the same days last week.
Across the capital, more than 300 calls an hour were being received during the busiest hours — 50% more than usual. Some patients will not receive ambulances due to snowy conditions, with those patients with minor illnesses and injuries offered advice over the phone.
A statement said: “The move is part of the London Ambulance Service’s plans to manage the difficulties in reaching some patients, as well as a rise in emergency calls.
“These issues have led to the decision to extend the system of offering telephone advice to patients who do not need an emergency response.
“Under this temporary measure, callers with less serious conditions such as coughs and colds, minor cuts and bruises, and upset stomachs will not be sent an ambulance, and will instead be advised on how to care for themselves or where else to seek help.’'
Deputy director of operations, Jason Killens, said: “Our priority is to ensure that we can respond as quickly as possible to people with the most serious illnesses and injuries, and vulnerable patients.
“Anyone with a genuine emergency should call 999 immediately, but those with less serious problems should be aware that we may not be able send ambulance crews to them.’'
Jo Webber, director of the Ambulance Service Network at the NHS Confederation, said: “The reports we have had from ambulance trusts most affected by the weather suggest that while demand overall is not increasing significantly, the bad weather is making it harder to get to patients quickly.
“The NHS has robust plans in place to deal with winter each year and as part of these plans, people can help by considering the full range of NHS services available to them, including visiting pharmacies, NHS walk-in centres or contacting NHS Direct, rather than automatically calling 999, going to A&E or visiting their GP surgery.”
PA Regional Newswire of English Regions