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06
Jul 2021
Last Updated: 05/07/2021
Yorkshire Ambulance Service says some patients waiting 'longer than we would like'
Yorkshire Ambulance Service says 'some patients are having to wait longer than we would like them to' due to extremely high demand and an increase in staff isolating or sick due to covid.
Photograph: Yorkshire Ambulance Service
People are having to wait longer for ambulances due to "extremely high demand" caused by covid and the easing of lockdown measures.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust issued a statement today saying demand was at winter levels.
It said demand had increased throughout April, May and June and more staff were isolating or sick due to covid.
The trust reiterated its call for people to only call in serious or life-threatening circumstances.
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Nick Smith, executive director of operations at the trust, said:
“We have been experiencing periods of extremely high demand, particularly during the last few weekends and this has had a significant impact on our operations.
"We have continued to respond to those in need as swiftly as possible, but acknowledge that some patients are having to wait longer than we would like them to."
The trust receives around 2,800 emergency and routine calls per day and employs over 6,300 staff.
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