GPs tell patients to ‘get an Uber’ as NHS ambulance delays hit record level

Ambulances can sometimes wait for hours at hospitals to transfer patients. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

Some of the country’s GP are advising patients requiring urgent hospital care to “get an Uber” or use a relative’s car because of the worst ever delays in the ambulance service in England.

Patients with breathing difficulties and other potentially serious conditions are being told in some cases that they are likely to be transferred more quickly from a general practice to accident and emergency if they travel by cab or private vehicle.