ENGLISH NEWS: Pensioner left lying on ground after 3 hour wait for ambulance in England

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A 75-year old was left lying on the ground waiting for an ambulance to arrive in Birkenhead, England. Credit: Liverpool Echo.

AN injured elderly woman was left lying on the ground for 3 hours in the cold after waiting for an ambulance to arrive in Birkenhead, England

The woman, who has been named as 75-year-old Pat McDonald, was injured after leaving her sheltered accommodation in Finch Court in Birkenhead on Monday afternoon (November 25) when she slipped and fell, badly breaking her wrist.

Pat’s daughter Katie, a senior NHS nurse, rushed to the scene to be with her mother, but chose to not move her in case of causing further injuries. Her family then decided cover Pat with clothes, blankets and a hot water bottle to keep her warm until help arrived.

After the incident, Katie hit out at the treatment of the health service by the government. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo she said that this is not a criticism of the paramedics as they were fantastic when they arrived, instead blaming the government.

Katie, who has been a nurse for 13 years, also offered an insight into the immense pressure that the NHS is currently under, explaining that when she arrived to the Arrowe Park Hospital with her mother, that there were 4 corridors full of paramedics waiting with patients due to an insufficient amount of beds available. 

Katie believes that cuts and a lack of investment in the NHS has led to wards being closed across England as there are not enough nurses to staff them.

Earlier this month it was revealed that A&E waiting times are at their worst on record. We at Euro Weekly News understand that less than three-quarters of people who sought care at A&E units in England in October were treated and then discharged, admitted or transferred within four hours. This is the smallest proportion since the target was introduced by ministers and NHS chiefs in 2004. 

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Isha Sesay

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