8 June
2011
To be attributed to Deputy Director of
Operations Jason Killens:
“We brought in a new 999 call taking system
overnight, which developed some technical issues during the course
of the morning.
“We made a decision to switch to using our
tried and tested and safe and reliable manual system of recording
calls on paper and passing information to ambulance crews over the
radio while we resolve the issues.
“999 calls are being answered as normal and
patients are receiving a response in the normal way, with priority
being given to those with the most serious illness and
injuries.
“We anticipate switching our call handling
system back on in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
“As ever, we would ask people to use us wisely
and consider where else they may be able to get medical help if it
is not an emergency, for example NHS Direct, walk-in centres or
minor injuries units.”
- Ends -