Stretched ambulance service could call on the army for help

NORTH West Ambulance Service bosses are planning to request army assistance to help deal with demand as Omicron cases rise and winter pressures continue.

If such a request is approved, it would be the second time during the pandemic, with 120 soldiers enlisted in January last year at the peak of the Covid crisis.

However, any military aid would be dependent on the Government's green light and, with the massive booster drive also reliant on soldiers, it's unclear if the needed resources would be available this time.

NWAS, meanwhile, have confirmed that they are 'considering' requesting military support for the new year as part of their winter plan.