More patients receiving help without the need for an Ambulance in the North West

NORTH West Ambulance Service (NWAS) reports that more people who ring 999 are now receiving help without needing an Ambulance. For the last 2 months (November and December), figures show that almost 20% of people who ring 999 are now directly referred to other services for help without the need for any Ambulance attendance. This is up from 16% a year ago. This means thousands of patients are getting the right care quickly while freeing up Ambulances for those in life threatening situations.

This has contributed to improved response times for all categories of patients compared with the last 2 months of 2024, in what is traditionally an already challenging period for the NHS. In fact, NWAS has handled more than:- 200,000 incidents, equating to a 6% increase compared to the same period the previous year.

Dan Ainsworth, NWAS Director of Operations, said:- "Over the last couple of years, we've invested in more clinicians in our control rooms, enabling us to help more people over the phone. This approach ensures patients receive the most appropriate care and helps us keep Ambulances available for the sickest patients."

During busy periods, clinicians will also call back over the phone many of the waiting calls to better understand patients' symptoms, ensuring they are prioritised appropriately. They can also support our crews on the road and provide alternatives for patients, so they don't have to be taken to the nearest A&E department.

NWAS receives around 4,500 emergency calls every day, but only 11% are immediately life threatening. Hear and Treat allows clinicians to assess patients remotely, refer them to other NHS services, or provide self care advice when an Ambulance isn't needed.

Dan adds:- "Calling 999 is not a shortcut to Hospital care. Some patients will receive a callback from a clinician rather than an Ambulance. Our call handlers may also provide an estimated arrival time for the Ambulance. This ensures patients are kept informed, and many callers find that means they can get definitive care faster."

As demand continues to rise, NWAS urges the public to call 999 only in emergencies and to use NHS 111 online for urgent medical help.

You should call 999 if you or someone else experiences:-

Signs of a heart attack, such as pain like a heavy weight in the centre of your chest.
Signs of stroke, such as your face dropping on 1 side.
Difficulty breathing.
Heavy bleeding that won't stop.
Signs of serious illness or injury, and you think their life is at risk.

111.nhs.uk can help you with:-

Where to get help for your symptoms if you're not sure what to do.
How to find general health information and self care advice.
Where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine.
How to get a repeat prescription.
Urgent specialist support for dental or mental health problems.

If you are interested in how to get help from many of the organisations like the NHS trough to getting information on how to contact your MP, please do take a look at our:- 'Useful Numbers' section of Mersey Reporter. Plus take our:- '999 Emergency...' test to see if you know when to call 999 and when not to call, on the same page!

Liverpool supports social workers to return to practice

LIVERPOOL City Council is calling on former social workers who have left the profession to consider returning in 2026. The Council is actively supporting the:- University of Manchester's Return to Social Work course by offering placements and dedicated academy support for social workers, with up to:- 45 places available across the Region.

The Return to Social Work programme, delivered by the University of Manchester is a short, part time course designed for previously registered social workers who have been out of practice for 2 years or more. The programme combines a series of taught updates with:- supervised practice placements, enabling participants to refresh their skills, update their knowledge of contemporary legislation and safeguarding, and prepare to re-register with Social Work England.

Running from:- February to June 2026, the course includes:- in person and online teaching, followed by:- supervised placement activity starting in:- April 2026, and concludes with a final in person session in June. Applications close on:- 26 January 2026.

For more information on the Return to Social Work courses, please visit the University of Manchester website.

Cllr Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children's Services at Liverpool City Council, said:- "We are delighted to partner with the University of Manchester on this important initiative. Supporting returning social workers strengthens our workforce, builds capacity within children's services, and ensures that experienced practitioners can confidently re-enter practice and contribute to positive outcomes for children, young people and families across our City."

Jenny Glennard, Corporate Director for Children's and Young People's Services in Liverpool, said:- "To support former social workers to return to the profession, we are providing high quality practice placements within our amazing children's services teams, giving returning social workers the opportunity to apply current practice standards in real world settings. In addition, we offer academy level mentoring and support throughout the placement period to reinforce learning, build confidence, and promote professional re-integration."

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More patients receiving help without the need for an Ambulance in the North West

Liverpool supports social workers to return to practice