A MAN ended up as an emergency patient in hospital – after been left waiting for more than 12 hours by the new 111 NHS helpline.

Bill Blackburn, of Lindley, was detained in hospital for 48 hours and treated for undiagnosed diabetes after being taken ill at home.

And the family of the pensioner told how they repeatedly called the new helpline only to be told a doctor would call them back.

There has been fierce criticism of the new service.