Ambulance service receiving 15 per cent more 999 calls

BERKSHIRE: The region’s ambulance service is encouraging the public to use the NHS 111 service for medical advice following an increase in 999 calls.

The 111 online service offers patients quick advice on the best healthcare option, including a call back from a trained nurse or booking an appointment in A&E.

It comes following a sharp rise in calls to the South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) Trust, which provides care to people across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

A number of factors are thought to be contributing to the rise, including the recent hot weather, COVID19 transmission rates in the community and an increase in people spending time outside as restrictions ease.

SCAS added that it is receiving 15 per cent more calls per day to 999, while the trust has a number of staff absent as a result of COVID-19 infection or selfisolation.

Meanwhile, call handlers have reported some calls to 999 in recent days have been for non-emergency issues such as insect bites and sunburn.

Paul Jefferies, assistant director of operations at SCAS, said: “We are prioritising those patients that are most sick and severely injured and everyone who needs an ambulance will get one, however, there are other and often better options for people to get the care they need.”

“The public can play their part by using 111 online for urgent advice, calling 999 in life-threatening cases – and only calling back if their condition worsens – and by getting the COVID jab.”