Thousands of people in need of urgent care are making their own way to hospitals, say Liberal Democrats.

Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive, NHS Providers, said:

"Demand for and pressure on ambulance services has gone through the roof but trusts and staff continue to work flat out to see patients – especially urgent cases – as quickly as possible.

"Nobody in the NHS wants people to have to wait too long for the care they need.

"Despite their best efforts stretched teams face an uphill battle as demand – one third higher than before the pandemic – keeps outstripping available resources and staff. Recent months also have been the busiest ever for callouts. Ambulance trusts and their health system partners are working together to reduce handover delays, improve response times and provide alternative community-based services where appropriate.

"Adequate long-term investment is needed in these services alongside sustained efforts to recruit, train and retain staff."