North East Ambulance Service Declares Critical Incident Amid Christmas Chaos
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has declared a critical incident today, 27 December 2022, due to unprecedented pressure following the Christmas break.
Over 100 Patients Waiting for Ambulances
Delays are mounting with more than 100 patients waiting for ambulances. The crisis is worsened by reduced ambulance crew availability caused by slow patient handovers at local hospitals.
“This is the second time in nine days that we have declared a critical incident due to the unprecedented pressure we are seeing across the health system,” said Shane Woodhouse, NEAS strategic commander.
Calls to 999 Must Be Life-Threatening Only
Woodhouse urged the public to reserve 999 calls for genuine life-threatening emergencies. He added:
“For all other patients, we are urging them to use 111 online, contact their GP or pharmacist. Some will be advised to get themselves to hospital if it’s safe.”
“We know ambulance waits will be longer — please only call back if your condition worsens or to cancel an ambulance no longer needed.”
“We’re also dealing with an influx of 111 calls and ask people to try 111 online first before calling.”
Reduced Patient Transport Services and Staff Thanks
- Patient transport services are now limited to essential journeys such as dialysis, chemotherapy, oncology, and heart care appointments.
- This reduced service will continue until later this week to free crews for emergency calls and hospital discharges.
- Woodhouse praised staff and volunteers, saying: “Our team is working extremely hard at this challenging time. I thank them all for their commitment.”
The North East Ambulance Service remains at its highest alert level as it battles huge demand in the post-Christmas health squeeze.
