Patients wait twice as long for ambulances when they become seriously ill at the GP, investigation finds

Patients wait twice as long for ambulances when they become seriously ill at the GP, investigation finds Patients whose GP spots symptoms of serious health problems like heart attacks and sepsis are waiting twice as long for an ambulance as those who call 999 alone, an investigation has found.

After doctors revealed they have had patients “die waiting” and had critically ill newborns put at serious risk, the British Medical Association has said NHS bosses must address long waits.

While GPs can assess a patient’s condition, they only request an ambulance when there is an emergency. They are not equipped to provide emergency treatment, GP leaders said. The Independent

See also:

• Ambulances routinely delaying treatment to emergency calls from GP practices Pulse