SICK Brits have been told not to call 999 back to ask where their ambulance is — despite long waits as services crack under pressure.
Bosses warn that there are many problems with the telephone lines.
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They urged people to only use 999 in a true emergency — and to only call again if the patient is getting worse.
As medics fight the heatwave, Covid surge and other crises, ministers will meet with crews from across the country to discuss the situation.
Martin Flaherty, manager at the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, said: “We are urging people not to call 999 back to ask about an estimated arrival time unless the patient’s condition has changed.
“This keeps the line free for someone who may need urgent assistance.”
All ambulance services across England are now at the highest level of alert known as REAP 4 because of this. “extreme pressure”During the crisis.
Maria Caulfield, Health Minister, told MPs about the challenges facing the NHS “pressures we would normally expect to see in winter”Presently, he is handling record-breaking numbers of 999 calls.
Ms Caulfield stated that the meetings with the 11 ambulance trusts were beneficial. “not just to deal with the pressures now but to prepare for the winter”.
According to the Office for National Statistics, COVID deaths have reached a total of 200,000 in the UK.