South Central Ambulance Service stands down critical incident

Ambulances response times have improved, SCAS's Mark Ainsworth said

An ambulance service has stood down its critical incident status.

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) declared critical incident status on Tuesday following a significant rise in high-category emergency calls.

Mark Ainsworth, executive director of operations, thanked staff for their "hard work and dedication".

The service covers emergencies in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire.

SCAS said earlier this week about 70% of 999 callers were assessed as having serious conditions, causing delays and putting the service under severe pressure.

The service declared a critical incident at 16:20 GMT on Tuesday

Mr Ainsworth said: "I am pleased we have been able to stand down our critical incident and our ambulance response times have improved.

"I would urge the public to continue to only call 999 over the coming weekend and into next week if you, or someone you're with, is suffering a very serious or life-threatening emergency that needs immediate help.

"Hospitals remain under pressure and cold weather could see another increase in 999 calls from people with serious breathing or heart problems."

The trust is telling people who might be waiting for an ambulance over the weekend not to call the service back unless the "patient's condition worsens".

SCAS also warned the status could be reinstated and urged people to "use other healthcare alternatives for urgent problems".

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