Hundreds of people across the north west were waiting for an ambulance on Saturday night as health bosses urged the public to call 999 'for life-threatening emergencies only'.
In the face of huge pressure this week, the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has been giving regular updates on the state of its services.
On Saturday morning NWAS said more than 600 people were waiting for a paramedic. And the service remains 'extremely busy' heading into the evening.
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NWAS tweeted: "As hundreds of patients wait for ambulances across the north west, we can't stress enough that 999 is for life-threatening emergencies only! We are still extremely busy and unfortunately, for those who have called us and need our urgent help, we're coming but there will be a wait.
"Please do not call us back to see how long that wait will be, we cannot answer this question, and this blocks the line for other calls trying to get through. These waits are being seen at hospitals too and going there by ambulance does not mean you will skip the queue."
The NHS trust also had over 600 patients waiting for an ambulance on Friday and Monday evenings. In a video message filmed outside in the cold on Monday night, NWAS medical director Chris Grant apologised for the 'delay in getting care' to the public as he pleaded for help. "We need to keep our phone lines free," he said.
"So please, only call us back if you no longer need our help or if your own condition has gotten significantly worse." NWAS issued further updates throughout the week, while the Department of Health and Social Care described NWAS' recent performance as 'unacceptable' on Wednesday, as it promised billions of pounds over the next two years to fix the service.
Ambulance staff in England and Wales are expected to walk out on December 21 and 28in a dispute over pay. Members of the Unison, Unite and GMB unions are expected to take part.
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