WHY are we in the North West, still operating the 111 service when an emergency call has been made for an ambulance?

In most other parts of the country this service has been discontinued having been classed as inefficient due to its operational problems.

The police have to attend telephone calls which may be a hoax, the fire service on a regular basis has to attend those which are also a hoax, but where life is in the balance there is no option.

A 999 call direct to the ambulance service saves valuable time and could mean the difference between life and death.

The ambulance receptionist has the knowledge and expertise to prioritise the calls and act accordingly. In an emergency situation all details must be transferred direct without other parties involved which may cause delay.

Recently, as reported in the Bolton News, a Mr Terry Gather, of Bolton, was taken seriously ill at home. His wife Christine rang for an ambulance and was transferred to the 111 service because of the serious nature of his illness time held the balance as his outcome, which in the end was in his favour.

I attended Christine’s 70th birthday party, which also celebrated the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary, and, of course, Terry’s win in his fight for life. There was not a dry eye in the house.

Arnold Harrison, Manchester Road West, Little Hulton