SouthHams.com Logo search icon

Anonymous paramedic speaks out as ambulances wait outside A&E for as much as 7 hours

SA Updated
Anonymous paramedic speaks out as ambulances wait outside A&E for as much as 7 hours

Blog Tags

Search by Tag
Select existing or new tags and apply to your post.

As Derriford Hospital announced an internal critical incident due to “high pressure on urgent care”, a South Western Ambulance Service paramedic has spoken out anonymously. 

The SWASFT paramedic said: “We have always been on the edge, we’ve had resources taken away in the last five years.

“But I’ve never seen twenty ambulances waiting outside for seven, eight or nine hours at a time.”

They said that during the day shift on Tuesday, an ambulance coming from Totnes (one of just two that covers the South Hams) arrived with their patient at 10am and didn’t get into the hospital until 7.30pm, calling it “a scandal”. 

“There’s no space in the hospital because there are no social care beds or carers for people who need to be discharged. Three Covid wards at Derriford, staff are off isolating, staff who have left due to stress or Brexit. Staff being pulled from other wards to cover A&E but then there’s nowhere to move patients to.

“Our ambulances are being used as an extension of A&E- we’re giving treatment, toileting patients, feeding them because they’re with us for eight hours. And then we hear calls on our radio asking for crews to be available for category one emergencies and none of us can clear to help.”

This is just at the same time, on Tuesday morning, that Jo Beer, Chief Operating Officer at Derriford hospital told staff and the public that they were operating an “internal critical incident”. 

Her statement read: “This is due to the high pressure on urgent care services and increasing demand for COVID beds. We currently have 99 COVID positive patients across Derriford and our three community hospitals and just under 500 staff absent for COVID-related reasons.

“We don't want people to be alarmed by this. We took the decision to escalate to the highest level of internal incident because this allows us to be able to take additional steps to maintain safe services for our patients and help us cope with the growing pressures.

“Please be assured, we are still here for you, if need us, in an emergency.

“As the Major Trauma Centre and Specialist centre for the South West, at Derriford Hospital, we receive some of the most acutely unwell patients by air and road ambulance. We are running at extremely high levels of occupancy and like a number of other hospitals across the country, we are seeing huge rises in demands for our services at the moment. 

“Attendances in our Emergency Department are high; there are ongoing challenges in discharging patients who are well enough to leave hospital, and we are seeing an increase in staff sickness - all of which leads to longer waits than we would like for patients to be seen and admitted. 

“We are here to help in an emergency, but we would ask people to consider all options when accessing urgent care, such as accessing NHS111 as a first point of call. We encourage the public to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and have a flu jab if eligible.

“Please head to the ‘Stay Well’ section of our website for more information: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/stay-well

“Massive thanks to our staff for their continued commitment to working for our patients to provide the best possible care in tough circumstances. Everyone is doing their best and this is appreciated.”

The NHS website states reasons for visiting A&E, stating: “An A&E department (also known as emergency department or casualty) deals with genuine life-threatening emergencies, such as:

-loss of consciousness

-a sudden confused state

-fits that are not stopping

-chest pain

-breathing difficulties

-severe bleeding that cannot be stopped

-severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

-severe burns or scalds

-stroke

-major trauma such as a road traffic collision

-feelings of self-harm or suicide

“Less severe injuries can be treated in urgent treatment centres (walk-in centres or minor injury units).”

 

If you're not sure what to do:

-NHS 111 can help if you need urgent medical help or you're not sure what to do.

-They will ask questions about your symptoms so you get the help you need.

-If you need to go to A&E, NHS 111 will book an arrival time. This might mean you spend less time in A&E. -This also helps with social distancing.  

-You can get help from NHS 111 online or call 111. It's available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

-Get help from NHS 111 online



User comments

There are no user comments for this listing.
Comments

You might also be interested in

Police practice search and rescue at Mothercombe
Category: General News
On Saturday, Devon & Cornwall Police led a multi-agency search and rescue exercise designed to train the next generation of officers to find missing...
Coronation event is cancelled, committee announces
Category: General News
The Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas Committee has announced that their plans for a Kings Coronation event have been cancelled. 
Increasing number of farm-based thefts, police urge vigilance
Category: General News
Police are urging vigilance after an "increasing number" of thefts of high value agricultural equipment. 
FareCar launched in Ivybridge following withdrawal of Friday bus service
Category: General News
Following the withdrawal of the Friday-only bus service 875, the F7 Fare Car Service has been launched to serve the community around Ivybridge. ...
Crash causes traffic chaos
Category: General News
A collision between two cars caused traffic chaos between West Alvington and Malborough. 
'Fittest Farmer' qualifiers to take place at Devon County Show
Category: Events News
Devon County Show is to play host to the qualifying rounds to find ‘Britain’s Fittest Farmer of 2023’. 

Featured Members

Pass the Keys - South Hams
 
0.0 (0)
Holiday Letting Agents and Airbnb co hosts based in Kingsbridge covering Salcombe, Kingsbridge, Dartmouth...
The Cottage Hotel - Hope Cove
 
5.0 (3)
The Cottage Hotel prides itself on being a traditional hotel, with old-fashioned service, comfortable...
Coast 2 Coast Taxis
 
4.9 (13)
Coast 2 Coast taxis run a professional service. For airport transfers, train transfers, school...
Martyn Norsworthy - Norsworthy Photography
 
0.0 (0)
Multi International Award Winning Portrait & Wedding Photographer, we offer you the very best...
Kingsbridge Estate Agents
 
0.0 (0)
The property specialists for Kingsbridge and surrounding villages. Our priority is to provide a...
Roadrunner Taxis Totnes - Totnes Station
 
0.0 (0)
Roadrunner Taxis are based at Totnes Train Station and are licensed by GWR. Providing...
P & N Scaffolding
 
5.0 (1)
Category: Scaffolders
Scaffolding experts for residential, commercial and industrial customers throughout Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Modbury, Dartmouth and...
Marchand Petit Estate Agents
 
0.0 (0)
Proven track record in selling and letting quality homes in the South Hams. With...
e-Xplore Devon
 
5.0 (4)
Category: Bikes & e-Bikes
South Devon's ONLY e-Bike Hire, e-Bike Sales & e-Bike Service Centre. You can find...
The Start Bay Inn - Pub - Torcross
 
4.6 (1)
Category: Pubs, Clubs & Bars
The Start Bay Inn is a thatched-roof, 14th-century inn on the seafront at Torcross...
Luke Adams Lighting
 
0.0
 
5.0 (1)
We are a lighting company based in Kingsbridge, working in Salcombe, Dartmouth, Totnes, Plymouth...
STG Engineering - Geotechnical Site Engineers
 
5.0 (9)
STG Engineering is a small geotechnical consultancy based in the South Hams with over...
Coast to Coast Water Safety
 
0.0 (0)
Elite, committed, professionals delivering lifesaving courses, event water safety and guided swims in the...
South Devon Driveways
 
0.0 (0)
Based in Kingsbridge, South Devon, with over 20 years experience, we offer a comprehensive...
Toad Hall Cottages - Holidays Lets and Property Management
 
3.1 (2)
Toad Hall Cottages is a family-run, award-winning company, letting holiday cottages and holiday homes...
LMC Recovery and Vehicle Repair
 
0.0 (0)
LMC Recovery & Vehicle Repair, a mobile mechanic based in Frogmore, Kingsbridge, in the...
Couch Joinery
 
0.0 (0)
Couch Joinery is a thriving business with an outstanding reputation for excellence based in...
Venture Outdoor Kindergarten
 
0.0 (0)
Devon's premier beach and forest outdoor kindergarten. Offering two unique settings for your child...
South Devon Maize Maze
 
5.0 (2)
Category: Family Days Out
The South Devon Maize Maze, in Churchstow this summer. Get lost in our JuBEELee...
Actionwest Computer and IT Services
 
0.0 (0)
Actionwest Business Systems Ltd, Computer and Laptop Supply Servicing and IT Support for Home...
Quay Wines - Kingsbridge
 
5.0 (1)
Category: Food & Drink
We are an independent wine merchant in Kingsbridge, South Hams. Formerly known as Luscombes...
 
0.0 (0)
Futureclient is a professional Website and Graphic Design agency in Kingsbridge. We specialise in...
Warcombe Produce Ltd
 
4.6 (4)
Category: Food & Drink
Warcombe Produce Ltd is a...
The Flavel Arts Centre
 
0.0 (0)
Category: Cinema & Theatre
The Flavel is the heart of Dartmouth's entertainment: Cinema, live music and shows, opera,...
Dog and Soap - Kingsbridge
 
5.0 (4)
Category: Dog Groomers
A fabulous professional dog groomers, DIY washing spa & boutique just for dogs! ...
Andrew Watson Carpentry, Kitchens, Bedrooms, Bathrooms, Flooring
 
0.0 (0)
Andrew Watson Carpentry in Dartmouth. All aspects of Carpentry. Bespoke Kitchens, Bedrooms, Bathrooms &...
REFURB - from Pebbles
 
5.0 (3)
REFURB from Salcombe provides full project management of refurbishments to holiday homes and second...
Ashby's Butchers Salcombe
 
0.0 (0)
Category: Food & Drink
A vibrant customer-focused butchery in Salcombe offering high quality, locally sourced meat from local...
Bespoke Devon - Holiday Home Management
 
0.0 (0)
Providing a bespoke property management service for your holiday home in Devon. Our Services...
Southern Veg Crate
 
0.0 (0)
Category: Food & Drink
Locally produced vegetables packed into size varying crates, delivered to your doorstep in Kingsbridge,...

Latest Listings

Latest Reviews

Martin Pears Engineering Ltd - Agricultural Sales, Engineering, Supplies and Feed
 
5.0
MP Michael Pearey
"This is just the sort of honest, no frills engineering workshops that any farmer or landowner would want. We..."
Your Devon Escape
 
5.0
D& Debbie & Chris
"Since buying our property in Devon at the beginning of the year, we knew it was important to find the..."
Otters spotted in the South Hams
JL Jonathan Liddle
"My wife saw an otter with two kitts playing by the bridge near Diptford today. We’ve seen one there before...."
Martin Pears Engineering Ltd - Agricultural Sales, Engineering, Supplies and Feed
 
5.0
MH Matthew Howells
"Fantastic shop, helpful and informed staff, great engineers - highly recommended. I've bought posts, wire, paint, hay, dog food, seed,..."
Nash & Co Solicitors
 
5.0
RB Robyn Bowler
"We recently used Nash and Co. Solicitors to draw up an agreement when we made a member of our staff..."
Guitar & Ukulele Lessons with Toby Morgan - Kingsbridge
 
5.0
TA Tom and Dougie
"My son has been receiving guitar lessons from Toby for several years now. Toby’s incredibly patient, has a wealth of..."
South Hams Mole Catcher - Kingsbridge
 
5.0
RM Roger McCorriston
"Gren did a fantastic job ridding our lawn of a very persistent and annoying mole which had done a lot..."
Nash & Co Solicitors
 
5.0
C CF
"We found Nash & Co. Very Professional, and above all, helpful and understanding. What was a very stressful time for..."
B LEE Plumbing and Heating
 
5.0
J Jane
"Ben did a great job replacing all the towel rails and basin taps in our bathrooms throughout our property. He..."
Nash & Co Solicitors
 
5.0
AD Andy Dunkerley
"Nash & Co have been excellent over the years, providing Private and Commercial property conveyancing, Shareholders agreements, Wills, Powers..."
Martin Pears Engineering Ltd - Agricultural Sales, Engineering, Supplies and Feed
 
5.0
L LK
"Recently overhauled our quad after two local companies had 'fixed' it and failed. Absolutely brilliant. Really helpful on..."
Merrifield House Devon
 
5.0
R Richard
"Excellent all round great location, beautifully kept rooms and facilities, and run by exceptionally nice and friendly people. Lovely attention..."

Our Sponsors

* The information contained on this page is correct to the best of our knowledge, if you notice anything that you know to be incorrect or misleading, please contact us.

SouthHams.com Long Light logo

© 2012 - 2023 South Hams Online Ltd - All Rights Reserved. Legal & Privacy | Sitemap

built by FUTURECLIENT