South Central Ambulance Service declares 'Critical Incident'
Emergency crews and staff 'overwhelmed' by extreme pressures from 999 calls
Last updated 31st Oct 2021
Last night the Ambulance service tweeted to say it's dealing with "extreme pressures" on its resources.
South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), which serves more than 4 million people across Hampshire Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, has declared a critical incident as it faces an "overwhelming" volume of calls.
It is asking the public only to get in contact in the event of life-threatening injuries.
Bosses at the Ambulance's NHS Foundation Trust said:
"Our staff and volunteers are working extremely hard to respond to calls but the volume is overwhelming."
"Please, please support us by using our services wisely, we’re here for life threatening illnesses and injuries. Thank you so much #HelpUsHelpYou"
SCAS also provides NHS patient transport services in Surrey & Sussex too.
PLEA FOR PATIENTS TO USE SERVICES WISELY
In the middle of October SCAS urged “tech-savvy” members of public to help others access online healthcare.
South Central Ambulance Service said it would be helpful if families and communities helped relatives, friends or neighbours, who may find it difficult to access the internet, access NHS 111 online.
The message earlier this month came as 999, 111 and patient transport services across the Trust were already seeing significant demand – much higher than expected for this time of year.
As a result, they had already begun urging people to utilise 111 online wherever possible as it can provide quick advice on the best healthcare option, including a call back from a trained clinician or nurse, a booked appointment in A&E or advice on self-care.
Mark Ainsworth, Director of Operations at SCAS said:
“We know what a difficult time this is for everyone and we greatly appreciate the support and understanding of the public as we continue to manage the significant pressures on our 999, 111 and patient transport services."
“The demand on us remains high, in particular on our 111 phone line, so we are again appealing for help from people to alleviate this by utilising 111 online which is a great tool, quick to access and provides instant information and advice."
“However, we know requesting help from the public by urging them to use 111 online isn’t feasible for everyone, particularly those who find it complicated or don’t have the levels of access to technology that others may have."
“Therefore, we are calling on the more tech-savvy members of the public to lend a helping hand their family, friends or neighbours – particularly people who you know live alone – who may find it difficult as, in turn, this will further alleviate the pressure on our 111 call handlers.”
Mark Ainsworth (pictured) said even just offering to support someone who isn’t currently unwell could be beneficial as it means they will have an alternative way of seeking less urgent medical advice when they do require it.
“The more we enable society to have support or access to technology the better as it means we can ensure more people are able to utilise the full range of tools available to them – which is obviously particularly important at great times of stress on the healthcare system.”