16.12.14
West Midlands A&E and ambulances struggles to cope with demand
The West Midlands Ambulance Service experienced its fourth busiest day ever on Saturday as A&E units struggled to cope with the influx of patients.
A total of 3,550 ambulance calls were made to 999 on Saturday, nearly 150 an hour, compared to a regular day where the service deals with 2,500-3,000 calls. The service was forced to bring in additional staff to deal with the added pressure.
Hospitals in the area were also struggling with the rise in emergency admissions. Consultant Steve Smith, from Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham, told the BBC they had struggled to find enough beds.
He said high demand meant some patients had to be put on trolleys in corridors.
At one stage on Thursday night more than 100 patients were waiting in A&E and the hospital had to call in more staff, Smith said.
Meanwhile Walsall Manor Hospital said in a statement that emergency admissions meant it had no free beds on Friday morning.
WMAS said problems at A&E units across the West Midlands meant crews were often delayed in handing over patients and prevented them from responding to 999 calls.
Craig Cooke, assistant chief ambulance officer, said: “Our staff are working around the clock to respond to patients but we need the public’s help to ensure we’re preserving our ambulances and highly skilled staff for the people who need us the most.
“Many people who dial 999 could treat themselves at home or access advice from NHS 111 – either online or over the phone.
“Equally, people should consider taking themselves to an NHS walk-in centre, pharmacist or a minor injuries unit.
“This would leave the ambulance service to deal with life-threatening illness or injury such as chest pain, strokes, breathing difficulties, unconsciousness and severe blood loss.”
The ambulance trust also appealed on Twitter for people to only call 999 for life threatening emergencies.
Across England, more than 430,000 patients visited A&E units last week, nearly 30,000 more than the same week in 2013.
A Department of Health spokesperson said: "We know the NHS is busier than ever before, which is why we've given the NHS a record £700m this winter for more doctors, nurses and beds.
"The NHS has ensured there are plans in every area to manage the extra demand."
(Image: c. EDDIE)
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