Residents urged to use South West ambulance service 'responsibly'

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is expecting "significant and sustained demand" for its 999 services during the winter months.

This is reflective of the pressure felt by health and care organisations both locally, regionally, and nationally, it said.

The expected rise in flu and other respiratory illnesses, coupled with a drop in temperatures and ongoing ambulance handover delays, is expected to further add to the challenges faced by the region’s ambulance service.

Jessica Cunningham, executive director of operations at SWASFT, said: "We know this winter is going to be a very challenging time for us, which is why we’re urging local communities to use our services responsibly, and choose the right care for them.

People have been asked to use the ambulance service responsibly (Image: SWASFT) "We want to be there for everyone that needs the ambulance service in an emergency - to help us achieve this we need to have our crews available for patients with the most life-threatening conditions.

"Please only call 999 if someone is seriously injured or ill, for anything else, please contact NHS 111."

SWASFT has a winter plan and has asked people to assist by following certain guidelines.

These include only calling 999 for life-threatening emergencies, and for non-life-threatening emergencies, people are encouraged to use NHS 111 online, contact their GP, or seek advice from a pharmacy.

People waiting for an ambulance have been asked not to call 999 again unless the patient's condition has worsened or an ambulance is no longer needed, as arrival times cannot be provided.

This winter, SWASFT, in collaboration with system partners, will also continue to run care co-ordination hubs across the South West.

The hubs bring together multi-disciplinary teams, including ambulance service clinicians and health and social care professionals, to provide real-time access to health and urgent care services within the community or secondary care.

SWASFT is also increasing the number of clinicians in its emergency operations centres in Exeter and Bristol this winter.

These clinicians will help triage appropriate care for patients quickly and efficiently, preventing avoidable emergency department admissions and ambulance dispatches.

Ms Cunningham added: "I would like to thank our people and NHS colleagues who will be working together throughout the winter to help keep us all safe and well.

"Should you need their help, please be kind to them as they are all working hard under significant daily pressures."