The Mancunian Way: Overheated and overstretched
14.07.2022 - 21:37
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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By BETH ABBIT - Thurs July 14, 2022
Hello,
Hospitals are overheating and paramedics feel overwhelmed. And as temperatures rise, ambulance staff say emergency calls are at ‘New Year’s Eve’ levels on a daily basis.
But when questioned over the impact of the heatwave on NHS services in Greater Manchester this week, one government minister said there is no ‘magical way of avoiding such pressures’.
We'll be discussing the situation in our NHS, as well as the rising Covid death toll and Manchester's most expensive road, in today's newsletter.
As patients struggle with heat-related illnesses, the North West Ambulance Service has reached the highest alert level, meaning there's ‘potential for failures' as services cope with 'extreme pressure'.
One paramedic said they arrived at work this week to face 153 patients waiting for an ambulance. They said the numbers of 999 callers are at ‘New Year’s Eve’ levels on a daily basis.
“There’s 153 jobs stacking at the moment - that's just in Greater Manchester. That’s 153 people who've called 999 and there are no ambulances available for them,” a paramedic told health reporter Helena Vesty. “If you'd have asked me three years ago, four years ago, 150 people waiting would be New Year's Eve. Everybody's working. The sky is falling.”
NWAS say extreme weather often results in a surge of activity. “Even though we are seeing some cloud, and even some spots of rain in some areas, the temperature is still high which can often cause problems for those with