THE North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust has announced that although the service was ‘extremely busy’ during the festive period, the number of emergency calls received by the was five per cent less than those received for the same period last year and attended four per cent less incidents.


This year, the trust received a total of 9,918 emergency calls (24-26 December) where as for the same period last year it received 10,476 calls.


Derek Cartwright, director of operations said: “We always see an increase in emergency calls at this time of year but this year has been exceptional.


“I would like to take this opportunity to thank NWAS staff for all their hard work in caring for the population of the North West.”


He added: “Please help us to help the most vulnerable people, by keeping ambulances free to deal with genuine emergencies.”