UPDATED 21:30
UPDATED 21:30
North West Ambulance Service declared a major incident earlier this evening, Monday 2nd November, following a high volume of phone calls.
The trust has since put measures in place to manage the situation and it has stood down from the major incident.
A spokesperson for the trust explained: “Due to the high volume of emergency calls into our service, the trust declared a major incident.”
They added: “The major incident was managed in accordance with our usual protocols but we continue to urge the public to only call us if their condition is life threatening or potentially life threatening.”
They added: “Traditionally, Mondays are often a very busy day for us and we are reviewing the reasons behind the sudden and unexpected surge in demand.”
It is not currently believed the surge in calls was all related to Covid-19, although the virus was a factor in some 15% of calls.
North West Ambulance Service fielded 2,266 emergency calls between midday and 8pm today, a figure which is 36% more than the same period last Monday (26th October).
The trust reiterated its request for the public not to call to check where an ambulance is as lines need to kept available for those facing a life-threatening condition. They also advised people to inform them if an ambulance is no longer required.
The situation will continue to be closely monitored overnight, and additional support has been made available.
General medical advice can be sought by using the 111 service online.
The statement from earlier this evening:
