Ambulances may not be sent to deal with non-urgent 999 calls

Ambulances may not be sent to deal with non-urgent 999 calls in the future, the government announced today.

Patients with non-urgent conditions, such as a cut finger or earache, are classed as Category 'C' callers and could be treated by other parts of the NHS.

From October, a nurse, paramedic or emergency care practitioner may treat these patients at home, avoiding the need for a hospital visit. They may also receive advice over the phone from NHS Direct.

The changes come as local NHS organisations, such as Primary Care Trusts, are handed responsibility for managing and monitoring how local services respond to 999 calls.

Health Minister Rosie Winterton said:

"Primary care trusts and ambulance trusts will now be able to work with other local health organisations to agree how to deliver the best possible, clinically safe response for patients and how to measure local performance.

"This will help to ensure patients get a fast responsive service that meets their needs and that efficient use is made of ambulance technicians, paramedics and emergency care practitioner skills."

Ambulance trusts currently reach over 75 per cent of patients with life-threatening conditions in less than eight minutes.