Significant delays to Northern Ireland Ambulance Service call outs

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Wednesday, 27 December 2017 13:13

By Adam Evans

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service says it's facing pressure on the system.

We're told a sustained period of increased demand has left significant delays to less serious emergencies.

The most serious calls are as always being prioritised to get a response to the sickest patients first.

An NIAS spokesperson said: "We would advise that the public only phone 999 for an ambulance in the event of a serious medical emergency.

"For less serious problems you should continue to contact your own GP or local Out-Of-Hours service in the first instance. Please consider alternative transport to an Emergency Department or Minor Injury Unit for lesser injuries and complaints.

"We would take this opportunity to remind the public that arrival at an Emergency Department by Ambulance does not mean you will be seen or treated more quickly than self-presentation."