Slow 999 response times forcing more people to find own way to A&E, data shows

Figures obtained by Lib Dems show 500,000 people in England travelled to hospital without ambulance in 2023

Growing numbers of seriously ill people are making their own way to A&E in what has been called an “Uber ambulance crisis”, because 999 response times are too slow.

A&E doctors said that while they understood that people are acting out of “desperation” they are taking a serious risk with their health, especially if they are driving.