Ambulances queued outside the hospital.

Over a dozen ambulances with patients stuck queueing outside hospital for A&E

One distressed parent said they were advised to ring for a taxi rather than for an ambulance.

by · Daily Record

A paramedic has revealed shocking images that show queues of ambulances with ill patients requiring emergency care inside and queuing up outside.

The healthcare worker told the Manchester Evening News that there were "up to 15 ambulances" waiting outside the Royal Bolton Hospital at one point during the day and they hadn't seen it this busy since Covid.

One distressed parent, who took her son to the A&E department at the hospital, said they were advised to ring for a taxi rather than for an ambulance after they called the 111 service and waiting times were up to four hours.

The paramedic said it might have been caused because it's a Bank Holiday and GP surgeries haven't been open - or because more people are dialling 999.

They explained: "People do not know where to go. So the default position is to call for an ambulance. Obviously, we are there for people who really need us. It seems to be a lack of capacity at the Royal Bolton.

"The system is broken. If we finish late that means we have to start late tomorrow, so it is going to have a knock-on impact. We went to Salford earlier and that was quiet. It just seems to be the Royal Bolton."

Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!

If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

A reporter at the MEN went to the hospital to see for themselves and, at around 3pm today, 12 ambulances were parked up outside A&E. Inside the waiting area was busy with around two-thirds of the seats taken.

One woman, who had accompanied her son to A&E, said: "We called 111 and they got us a taxi rather than an ambulance and told us to come straight here. My heart sank a bit when I saw how busy it was, but within about 15 minutes he'd been seen and in another 15 minutes he was in a cubicle, so he got through pretty fast."

The MEN has contacted the hospital in Farnworth, Bolton, for comment. But on it's website, bosses said A&E was "very busy" with waiting times of up to four hours.

Top news stories today

A message said: "Our Emergency Department is currently experiencing very high levels of activity. Waiting time is approximately two to four hours. No matter how busy our Emergency Department is, the most seriously ill and injured patients will always be seen immediately.

"If you choose to visit us and do not need urgent or emergency treatment, you will be safely supported to access an alternative service. Choosing the most appropriate place for care allows our ambulance and emergency department staff to concentrate on people whose lives are at risk, and can potentially save you a long wait.

"Our Emergency Department is not an alternative to a GP appointment. If your GP is closed you can go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111, which will direct you to the best local service."

North West Ambulance Service has been for comment.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.