South Central Ambulance Service reports 19% rise in calls during cold snap

South Central Ambulance Service said it received nearly 17,500 999 calls between 29 December and Sunday, a 19% increase on the previous week; the service has been prioritising the sickest patients, and waits for less urgent cases were reported as longer than the usual two to three hours.

South Central Ambulance Service has reported an increase in 999 calls since a cold spell began last week. The service said it received nearly 17,500 calls between 29 December and Sunday, a 19% rise on the week before. Staff have been prioritising the most seriously ill patients. The assistant director for Thames Valley noted that response times for less urgent issues have been longer than the service's aim of two to three hours. Key facts: - South Central Ambulance Service recorded nearly 17,500 calls between 29 December and Sunday, a 19% increase compared with the previous week. - The service said it has been prioritising the sickest patients in response to the higher demand. - The assistant director said the service aims to respond to less urgent issues within two to three hours, but waits were significantly longer for some patients during the last week. Summary: The increased call volume has required prioritisation of the most serious cases and has affected response times for less urgent calls. Undetermined at this time.