Health chiefs last night said the move was established practice – but one paramedic called it “madness”. “Potentially looking for some staff this afternoon to care for patients in the ED departments across Norfolk and Waveney,” it said. And in Merseyside, paramedics have been asked to work extra shifts at Whiston Hospital’s A&E during the winter. North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust described the move as a “temporary agreement” that was designed to “alleviate pressure” on ambulance crews. St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said the measure would “free up ambulances” and allow their colleagues “to get back on the road as soon as possible”.

Source: Daily Mirror December 22, 2019 00:00 UTC