THE NORTH West Ambulance Service says a scheme to help individuals who regularly call 999 with health complaints has been a ‘remarkable success’.

Members of the public who had dialled 999 an unusually high amount of times were identified by the trust as they may be accessing incorrect health care or vulnerable.

Their frequent caller team was establish to intervene with individuals who contact them five times a month or 12 times in three months.

A total of 83 patients across the north west received help from the NWAS between April and December 2015.

Before intervention, these patients has made a total of 667 calls to the trust resulting in 335 trips to A&E.

In the period since, calls have dropped to 242 with 76 visits to A&E – drops of 64 and 77 per cent respectively.

Angela McNally, the frequent caller lead for the North West Ambulance Service, said: “The fact we have been able to proactively identify a range of vulnerable individuals who have very complex issues and given them the help and support they need has really helped the service.

“Not only has the scheme had a positive impact on the lives of those individuals but it has helped to free up the trust’s resources for patients with life-threatening issues.

Angela highlighted the case of one man who lived alone and suffered from anxiety and panic attacks and frequently called 999 complaining of breathing difficulties.

With the intervention of the frequent call team it was discovered that the 60-year-old was being pressured to buy alcohol for a neighbour, and he was moved to a safe environment.

Angela added: “This is an example of what can be achieved when help is provided to vulnerable patients who are contacting the service an abnormal amount of times, ensuring they are given the support and treatment needed to lead a healthy life.”