Ambulance services across the UK are being stretched to their limit, with Ambulance chiefs making an appeal for the public to dial 999 only during genuine emergencies. The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) highlighted that their teams are “under severe pressure” from seasonally high sickness rates, citing Covid, flu, and norovirus as the main culprits.
This announcement arrives amidst news of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust in the West Midlands declaring a critical incident, faced with a tide of respiratory illness-related hospital admissions. With projections suggesting that this could be the grimmest flu season on record, England’s top physician has voiced concerns that the worst is yet to manifest.
Anna Parry, Managing Director of AACE, stated: “All UK ambulance services are under severe pressure due to the winter period, and associated high levels of demand because of viruses such as Covid, flu and norovirus.” She urged everyone to seek help responsibly by saving 999 for serious emergencies, contacting 111 for less urgent medical issues, and showing courtesy to overworked healthcare staff.
Ambulance chiefs are urging New Years Eve revellers to ‘take it easy’
(Image: melis82/Getty Images)
Moreover, as celebrations ramp up towards New Year’s Eve, the Welsh Ambulance Service also declared a critical situation. Its Chief Executive Jason Killens made his plea on BBC Breakfast, encouraging responsible alcohol consumption on the eve: “People out celebrating can help us tonight by of course, having a good time, but drinking sensibly, eating before they go out and looking after their friends.”
With the New Year’s festivities approaching, London Ambulance Service is issuing a plea to party-goers to stay out of trouble on what’s set to be one of the busiest nights for emergency responders. On New Year’s Day 2024, as revellers rang in the new year, there was a staggering surge in emergency calls, with the 999 service handling one every 11 seconds between 2-3am.
Strategic commander Becky Owen stressed the importance of safety during celebrations: “We hope everyone celebrating has a fantastic night but please take care of yourself and others – we really don’t want your night to end with you in the back of an ambulance. And if you are heading out for drinks, do take a few steps to stay safe. Have a meal before you start drinking, and try to have some soft drinks too. Make sure you know how you’re getting home, check travel arrangements and as it is forecast to be cold and wet, make sure you wrap up warmly.”
Avoid ending your New Year’s Eve in the back of an ambulance
Over in the West Midlands, the local ambulance service spokesperson had a similar message, focused on ringing in 2025 responsibly: “We encourage everyone to enjoy their evening safely, drink sensibly and make sure you wake up remembering the night before for all the right reasons,” they said.
Moreover, East Midlands Ambulance Service is calling on the public to reserve 999 calls for life-threatening emergencies only. The service is currently under immense strain, operating at level four – the highest level – of their resource escalation action plan. This level indicates severe pressure that could potentially overwhelm and break down the service.
NHS England’s national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, has warned that the “quad-demic” of flu, Covid-19, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is putting immense pressure on the healthcare system. He stated: “The winter flu season has not only hit the NHS early this year, but it is potentially on track to be one of the worst we have ever seen, as the ‘quad-demic’ continues to increase pressure across services.”
He continued: “Frontline NHS staff are currently under significant pressure – and as families and friends have gathered over the festive period and to celebrate the new year, we expect the peak of seasonal viruses is yet to come.”
He expressed gratitude to NHS staff, saying, “Firstly, I’d like to thank NHS staff – despite huge demand, they continue to work tirelessly to keep patients safe and provide them with the best possible care.”
Professor Powis also reminded the public that community services such as GPs and pharmacies are available for help and advice. He advised, “Anyone who needs medical support should continue to use services as normal – 999 and A&E only in an emergency, and for other urgent health needs, use NHS 111 or 111 online.”
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