Service plea over 999 calls

Ambulance bosses for Shropshire today warned the service was at full stretch and pleaded: Please don't call 999 unless it's an emergency.

They say they have been inundated with calls from the public over the last few weeks for relatively minor ailments such as winter bugs and flu.

And they warn that ambulances could be tied up on wasted journeys instead of dealing with life-threatening emergencies.

Today's plea has been issued across the region by West Midlands Ambulance Service which says it is under immense pressure following the onset of the cold weather.

Hospital wards are already at full stretch due to a huge rise in the number of patients suffering from respiratory problems.

Chief Operating Officer Rob Ashford said: "People are asked to consider whether or not their call is of an urgent nature that requires an immediate medical response before dialling 999.

"Please only call the ambulance service in genuine emergencies and potentially life-threatening situations.

"The service wants people to use a bit of common sense before dialling 999 and to use other health resources if appropriate."

Mr Ashford stressed people should still dial 999 in cases of emergency and an ambulance would be sent out immediately.

"There does seem to be a misconception about what happens if you do call for an ambulance," he added. "Some callers believe that they will be seen more quickly at an accident and emergency department by being brought in by ambulance.

"The reality is that each patient is assessed by hospital staff on arrival and the most serious cases are seen first."

Shropshire County Primary Care Trust says there is also likely to be a greater prevalence of other "seasonal conditions" such as diarrhoea and vomiting.

But in the majority of these cases, a trip to hospital is not necessary.

Dr Jane Povey, trust medical director, said: "It's really important that people understand the value of self-care and do as much as possible to help themselves and their families stay healthy."

NHS Direct can be called 24-hours-a-day on 0845 46 47 for free, expert health advice. The Shropdoc out-of-hours service is 08450 20 21 31.

By Peter Johnson