As freezing temperatures continue to bite, South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) has announced it has seen an almost 20% increase in calls to its 999 control room.
With SCAS prioritising calls to the most sick and injured patients, the impact of the rise in demand is felt most keenly by patients whose conditions are not serious or life-threatening.
"Whilst we aim to respond to less urgent issues within 2-3 hours, unfortunately for some patients over the last week, that wait time has been significantly longer," said Kirsten Willis-Drewett, assistant director of operations for Thames Valley at SCAS.
"I would urge people who can make their own way to hospital or an urgent treatment centre to do so. Arriving by ambulance doesn't mean you get seen quicker than other patients, and a lift from a friend or a taxi may get you there sooner."
Over half of patients seen by SCAS ambulance crews and paramedics are not then taken to a hospital or other healthcare setting.
The advice for people across Milton Keynes who require urgent, but not emergency help, is to use 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
"Whichever route you take, you'll just need to answer a few questions about your main symptoms to get the information and advice you need. This could be directing you to the most appropriate local urgent healthcare service, or a call back from a doctor, nurse or paramedic," Kirsty added.
You should only call 999 for a life-threatening or serious emergency, such as someone not breathing or unresponsive, severe blood loss, serious chest pains, symptoms of stroke, major injury or serious burns.
