The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has been in touch to ask us all to think carefully about using 999 while the health system is experiencing a huge spike in demand.
The Trust moved to the highest escalation alert level on New Year’s Eve, in response to high demand across the region. This is in line with many other ambulance services across the country.
The Trust received more than 39,000 calls between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day (inclusive). This is an unprecedented increase of 7,500 calls compared to a typical 8-day period in the summer, leading to increased pressure at hospitals and longer waiting times for ambulances to handover patients.
EEAST is expecting the coming weekend to be exceptionally busy and is asking people to think before calling 999.
Neill Moloney, Chief Executive, 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.”
The 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.
