At just one ambulance service last month 19 patients died and 21 more suffered non-fatal harm after ‘significant delays’
A whistle-blower claims that a total of 80 will be identified as killed or harmed by the East of England Ambulance Service delays
AT least 19 patients died and a further 21 suffered non-fatal harm after “significant” delays at just one ambulance service in the past month, it is claimed.
A whistle-blower claims a total of 80 will be identified as harmed or killed by East of England Ambulance Service delays during December and January.
A dossier has gone to MP Norman Lamb, the Health Service Journal said.
Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, called for a full inquiry into the reports and added: “These allegations are shocking and tragic.
“We need urgent clarity about what has happened at this ambulance service. Families who have lost a loved one deserve nothing less than to be given answers.
“I hope the Secretary of State will confirm that a full inquiry will be established and come to the Commons on Monday to update MPs on what will happen next.”
East of England Ambulance Service Trust said they had senior managers working at all times over Christmas and that the demand for ambulances is now easing.
A spokesman added: “The trust had plans in place, however experienced extreme levels of demand over the New Year period in particular.
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“The trust was unable to respond to a very small number of the 50,000 calls we handled over a 15 day period as quickly as we would like.
“Where any suspected cases of potential harm are identified then the trust will exercise its duty of candour to notify patients or their families.
“The trust has also requested a system-wide review of these periods of high demand and lost capacity.”