Yorkshire Ambulance Service no longer in critical incident status
Managers say pressure has reduced slightly today
Last updated 22nd Dec 2022
Pressure has reduced slightly on Yorkshire ambulance service meaning it's no longer in "critical incident" status.
Managers had issued the alert on Tuesday (20 December) because of "significant demand" and an extremely high number of calls.
Andrew Pippin is Head of A&E Emergency operations and says it's good news, but they're still incredibly busy: "We've been through a prolonged period of operational demand which has been significant for some time, and the festive period this time of year is always busy for us. We continue to ask the public to use the emergency ambulance service as wisely as possible."
A critical incident had been declared on Tuesday (20 December) as a result of "significant demand pressures" which it said was impacting on its ability to respond safely to patients.
The status was also issued ahead of some ambulance workers walking out on strike on Wednesday (21 December) in a row over pay and staffing issues.
Staff say they have been facing an unprecedented amount of pressure in recent weeks. Andrew Pippin has thanked them for their work: "Staff are working incredibly hard as they always do, they strive to deliver the best possible care they can to patients. I'm really proud to work in the ambulance service and the NHS."