Ambulance service stands down from critical incident status

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust has this afternoon (22 December 2022) stood down from critical incident status.

However, the Trust will remain at its highest level of alert status because of the continuing unprecedented pressures which are impacting on its ability to respond to patients.

High levels of demand, significant delays for patients waiting for an ambulance and delays in handing over patients at the region’s hospitals remain a challenge for the Service.

As we approach an extended Christmas bank holiday, followed by further industrial action, it’s important that core ambulance services are protected so that resources are available for those in greatest need of emergency medical assistance. 

The Trust is increasing clinical support in the centres where 999 and 111 calls are received, advising some patients to make their own way to hospital when it is safe to do so, and is issuing messages to members of the public reminding them to only call 999 in a life-threatening or serious emergency, and to consider alternatives.

Nick Smith, Executive Director of Operations at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said:
“The public have an important role to play in helping to relieve some of the pressures we are under. Please only call 999 for an ambulance when it is a serious or life-threatening emergency. This will help us to focus our efforts on our most poorly patients.

“You can also help us by not calling back to check where the ambulance is as we need those phone lines to be free for those in a life-threatening condition. However, if the condition of the patient worsens or you no longer need an ambulance, it’s important that you let us know.

“For anyone with less serious illnesses and injuries, they should consider self-care, their local pharmacy, GP surgery or urgent care centre.  For anyone who feels that their condition requires being seen at an emergency department, they should consider making their own way there. Our NHS 111 service is also available online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.

“Our staff and volunteers continue to work extremely hard for our patients and we would like to thank them for their ongoing hard work and commitment at this challenging time. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.”