QUESTION marks have been raised over a failure by North West Ambulance Service to provide an ambulance for a biker who suffered serious leg injuries in a crash - despite lying for more than 90 minutes in the road.

Cheshire Police, who attended the scene quickly, were forced to commandeer a Warrington Borough Council mini-bus that was transporting elderly residents.

The 22-year-old man was transported onto the bus, with a police escort then ensuring it reached Warrington Hospital, where the victim remains for treatment.

The incident, which involved a black motorbike and Ford Mondeo, happened at around 4.25pm on Monday on Callands Road.

Witness Graeme Bell, of Stanner Close, said: "The cyclist lay in the road for an hour and forty minutes awaiting for medical services to attend, but they never did.

"Residents provided blankets and hot water bottles to keep the victim warm.

"It was raining.

"The police did all they could and put an umbrella over his head.

"His head was on the grass verge and his legs were in the road.

"The council bus came along and did a three point turn but it couldn't get any further down the road.

"Several people kept calling an ambulance, but the response was that there was no ambulance available.

"I'm not putting blame on the ambulance service because they have to work in the face of austerity measures."

Derek Cartwright, director of operations at NWAS, said: “We understand that waiting for an ambulance can be distressing and we apologise for any upset caused to the patient.

“The number of 999 calls currently being received is unprecedented and our crews are working extremely hard to reach those who urgently need our help as quickly as possible.

"Monday was our busiest day on record.

“We were aware that the patient was being made as comfortable as possible by the police and members of the public, and the decision was taken by the police to source alternative transport arrangements for the patient prior to us being able to allocate an ambulance.   

"I would like to thank those at the scene for the care and compassion showed to the patient.

“If the patient would like to discuss this incident in more detail we would ask they make contact with us.”

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: "At approximately 16.25 on Monday, North West Ambulance Services informed Cheshire Police of a road traffic collision involving a black motorbike and a blue Ford Mondeo on Callands Road in Warrington.

 

"It was found that the motorcyclist, a 22-year-old man from Warrington, required hospital treatment and a call was made for assistance from North West Ambulance Service.

"Whilst at the scene officers were assisted by two off-duty paramedics, along with members of the public, who assisted in keeping the victim comfortable.

"After waiting for assistance, a decision was taken by officers at approximately 17.45 to transport the victim to hospital and a passing Warrington Borough Council minibus was flagged down by officers.

"The victim was then transported to Warrington Hospital where he is currently being treated for his injuries."