Ambulance paramedic claims she is being 'used and abused'

Paramedic Laura Eales wrote on Twitter that she was sick of ambulances being used as a "glorified taxi service over the weekend".

Her outburst comes as South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) struggles to cope with demand.

The service said it is now receiving more than 3,600 calls a day as it deals with warmer weather, an increase in Covid rates in the community, and an increase in the public spending time outside as restrictions ease.

"Feeling completely under appreciated, used and abused, glorified taxi service over the weekend and I am sick to death of it," Ms Eales said.

"No care for crew welfare, forever having late/no break and home late every night, bring on my one bloody day off.

"Love from one very p***** off paramedic."

The official Secamb account responded to her on Twitter to say her "team is reaching out to offer extra support".

A Twitter post said: "It's so tough out there right now - thank you for all your tremendous efforts."

Secamb handled 25,599 calls last week – some 24 per cent higher than a similar July week in 2019 before the pandemic.

On Monday, we reported how some people waiting for ambulances are to be advised to make their own way to hospital as the service deals with high levels of demand.

A Secamb spokesman has now told The Argus: "We understand how hard our staff are working as we face this increased demand and take their welfare seriously.

"The public can help us by only calling 999 in a serious or life-threatening emergency and making use of alternatives including NHS 111 Online for help and advice."

In another bid to ease pressure on its services, it is urging people to use the 111 NHS online service.

This offers patients quick advice on the best option for them to get the care they need, including getting a call back from a trained clinician or nurse, booking them an appointment in A and E or providing advice on how to help them recover.

People can access 111 online at 111.nhs.uk