08/07/2026
As we head into another night shift, we’d like to remind everyone that arriving at an Emergency Department by ambulance will not usually mean you’ll be seen by a doctor any sooner than if you make your own way there. Once it’s safe to do so, patients are assessed and prioritised according to their clinical condition, not how they arrived.
If your condition is not life-threatening, please consider the alternatives available before calling an ambulance:
• Your GP
• An Out-of-Hours GP service
• Your local pharmacy
• Self-presenting to your nearest Emergency Department, where appropriate
Ambulances are a vital emergency resource for patients experiencing life-threatening illness or injury, where every minute can make a real difference.
By choosing the right healthcare service for your needs, you’re helping to keep ambulances available for those who need them most.
Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and for supporting your local ambulance crews as they continue to provide emergency care throughout the night.
Stay safe.