17 ambulances were seen queuing outside a hospital yesterday (Tuesday, 12 September).
The South Western Ambulance Service crews spent hours waiting outside the emergency department at Great Western Hospital in Swindon.
Patients were left stranded in the backs of ambulances for significant periods of time, with some paramedics blaming the hospital for the chaos.
At the ambulance station in Swindon yesterday, there were just eight ambulances available to respond to calls – according to an insider.
It’s understood several crews were drafted in from nearby counties – including Bristol and Gloucestershire – to attend incidents in Wiltshire.
A spokesperson for Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said that staff are working with a Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officer to keep delays to a minimum.
They said: “Our urgent and emergency care services are currently extremely busy, which means some patients remain in the care of paramedics while we care for those with the most life-threatening conditions.
“We work closely with ambulance crews to ensure patients are treated in order of clinical urgency.
“The team in the Emergency Department also work closely with the Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officer, who ensures delays are kept to a minimum.
“Local people can also help by calling NHS 111 in the first instance, who can advise of the best healthcare options available.”
