THE region’s ambulance service is appealing for people to call 999 wisely during this bank holiday weekend.
Bank holiday periods are a time when traditionally Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust sees an increase in the number of 999 calls for emergency assistance and they expect this weekend will be no exception as they are preparing to be just as busy.
This has prompted the service, which can be crucial in a genuine life-threatening emergency, to urge people with minor ailments to consider the variety of other healthcare services available to them to ensure emergency resources are available for those who need them most.
David Williams, Deputy Director of Operations at the Trust, said: “The high volume of calls we receive during the bank holiday periods puts the service under increased strain and makes it harder for us to ensure we can get to all of the people calling 999 for ambulance assistance quickly.”
For advice and treatment for non-emergencies and less serious cases visit a local pharmacist or GP surgery, or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit a walk-in centre or minor injuries unit.
