North East Ambulance Declares Critical Incident Amid Post-Christmas Chaos
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has declared a critical incident today (27 December 2022) due to unprecedented pressure after the Christmas break. Over 100 patients are facing long waits for ambulances, with crew availability hammered by delays at local hospitals.
Demand Spikes as Ambulances Backed Up
Shane Woodhouse, NEAS strategic commander, revealed this is the second critical incident in just nine days. He said: “This is due to the unprecedented pressure across the entire health system.”
Declaring a critical incident means NEAS can call on health partners for extra support and focus resources on patients in the direst need.
Urgent Call for Public to Use NHS 111 Online, Not 999
Woodhouse warned the public to only dial 999 in life-threatening emergencies. Otherwise, patients should use NHS 111 online, contact their GP, or speak to a pharmacist.
“We will advise some patients to make their own way to hospital when safe to do so. Please only call back if your condition worsens or to cancel if you no longer need an ambulance,” said Woodhouse.
With 111 call volumes soaring, NEAS urges people to try the online service first and reserve 999 for critical cases only.
Essential Patient Transport Scaled Back to Free Up Crews
NEAS has kept its highest alert over the Christmas and Boxing Day bank holiday. To handle demand, patient transport services for appointments are limited to vital journeys like dialysis, chemotherapy, and heart care until later this week.
This allows crews to focus on emergency calls and help hospitals with patient discharges.
Staff and Volunteers Working Round the Clock
Woodhouse praised the dedication of NEAS staff and volunteers amid the chaos: “They continue to work extremely hard to respond to calls and incidents. I thank them for their commitment at this challenging time.”
