North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) issued another urgent plea last night for people to think before calling 999.
NWAS warned crews were facing "significant" amounts of calls due to the severe weather and long delays at hospital drop off areas across the region. The ambulance service said crews have been "extremely busy" and hundreds of patients had been left waiting for an ambulance.
On Monday, December 12 Chris Grant, the medical director for NWAS, issued an urgent message to people to keep phone lines clear for the most life-threatening conditions. Appearing outside and speaking into the camera of a mobile phone, Mr Grant said: "I apologise in the delay in getting care to you. But I do need your help."
