Ambulance service declares highest alert level

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has declared its highest alert level due to "a huge spike in demand".

It received almost 24,000 999 calls in the week ending 30 November, rising by nearly 3,000 on the previous seven days.

Neill Moloney, the trust's chief executive, said: "There is an extraordinary level of pressure on the health system nationally."

Patients have been advised to make their own way to hospital where it is clinically safe to do so.

Ambulance staff have been facing rising handover delays at hospitals, where pressure is mounting from winter illnesses.

The EEAST, which serves six counties, said the high demand was sustained and high alert levels were being signalled by other trusts nationwide.

"We have seen a huge spike in demand, driven by an increase in respiratory illness," Mr Moloney said.

"Which means many hospitals are at capacity and our ambulance resources are stretched as a result.

Call handlers have been advised to prioritise patients with immediately life-threatening conditions.

Mr Moloney apologised to anyone affected by delays as a result.

"I urge the public to think carefully before using 999," he added.