Plea to use South West ambulance services wisely this Easter

Thousands of 999 calls are expected to be taken by ambulance services across our region this Easter.

The South Western Ambulance Service (SWASFT) is urging people to make sure they've ordered repeat prescriptions before the bank holiday, and to use 111 for non life-threatening conditions.

We're asked to help reduce the pressure on services at a traditionally busy time of year.

Ahead of the Easter weekend, the advice is to:

• Continue to call 999 in life-threatening emergencies - when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk

• Visit NHS 111 online for non-life-threatening medical help or advice

• Make sure you have ordered and collected any repeat medicines

• Make use of community pharmacies, which can advise on minor illnesses and provide medications

• Visitors to the South West are reminded that their first point of call for GP care is their home practice, who will be able to provide online, phone and video consultations as well as arranging for prescriptions to be sent to a pharmacy of their choice

Wayne Darch, Deputy Director of Operations at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“To ensure that we can be there for everyone that needs us in a medical emergency, we’re asking you to help us to help you, by choosing the right care for you. Please only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency, this will ensure we have crews available for patients with the most life-threatening conditions.

“I would also like to thank our people and NHS colleagues who will be working over the Easter weekend to help keep us all safe and well. Should you need their support, please be kind to them, they are working hard under huge pressures currently.”

People are also asked not call 999 back for an estimated arrival time of an ambulance.

They should only call back if the patient’s condition worsens or they no longer need an ambulance.

This helps keep phone lines free for others in need.

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