Ambulance service issues urgent 999 appeal as North West hit by snow

An urgent appeal has been issued to the public by ambulance service bosses as Greater Manchester has been covered by a blanket of snow. Residents woke up to wintry scenes across the region today (January 16), while chilly conditions are set to continue.

Greater Manchester and almost all of the North West has been issued three Met Office weather warnings for snow and ice today, tomorrow and Thursday. Drivers are facing challenging conditions on roads across the region, with North West Ambulance Service battling the same difficulties.

The NHS trust has now issued a warning to patients that ambulances could take longer than usual to arrive during the current conditions. People are also being urged to only call 999 in a 'life-threatening emergency', with the service currently 'really busy'.

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In a string of posts on X (formerly Twitter), a spokesperson for NWAS wrote: "Our 999 service is really busy right now across the North West due to the weather conditions. Please bear with us as we'll be driving slower than usual to help us get through the snow. We’re doing our best, but it may take us longer to get to you.

"As always, we prioritise our most seriously ill or injured patients. This means some patients may have to wait longer. If you have called for an ambulance and the person is outside, if they are willing and it is safe to do so, please move them into a warmer environment.

"Please help us out by only calling 999 in a life-threatening emergency. When it's not an emergency and you're unsure where to turn, use 111.nhs.uk."