By Lyndsey Telford, Claire Newell, Edward Malnick and Luke Heighton, video by Leon Siciliano
Telegraph
HAMPSHIRE, England — Patients who call the NHS 111 service are being denied ambulances even if they are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, an exclusive Telegraph investigation reveals.
The 111 service was set up as a non-emergency alternative to 999 to relieve pressure on the health system, including A&E departments. Call centre staff are expected to dispatch ambulances if patients describe symptoms of a serious illness.
However, amid a shortage of paramedics, call handlers are being put under pressure not to send out ambulances at certain times.
Read Full Story: How NHS 111 helpline refuses to send out ambulances