THE first step of a new system to ensure all patients who call 999 for an ambulance get the best possible response has been backed by Greater Manchester Ambulance Service (GMAS) directors.

They are supporting proposals to change the way non-emergency 999 calls, like cut fingers, are dealt with by the ambulance service.

These changes, supported by NHS trusts across Greater Manchester, will mean that more resources will be placed into sending paramedic crews to the most serious, life-threatening emergencies.

The decision follows a removal of national standards for dealing with non-emergency calls - or Category C incidents - and placing them in the responsibility of local health frameworks.

GMAS' new response standards will see at least 95 per cent of all Category C calls answered within 60 minutes. This will ensure that all people who require a Category A or B response will have resources diverted to them as a priority.

Detailed discussions have been taking place with the Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority and other healthcare providers on providing more appropriate responses for people who dial 999 with minor ailments asking for an ambulance.

In a further measure, to reduce any risk to the patient, call handlers must advise Category C patients of the new timescales.

GMAS' director of operations, Derek Cartwright said: "I would like to make it clear to the people of Greater Manchester that this new strategy in no way means that anyone who needs an ambulance will not get one. It is simply a case of organising a range of responses that are more appropriate for patients' needs.

"Patients call 999 with a huge range of conditions, ranging from the types we see and hear about every day on the news to non-life threatening cases. We strongly take the view that there is no such thing as an inappropriate call, only an inappropriate response. These new steps reflect this thinking in a way that benefits the trust and the public at large."

Statistics last year revealed GMAS as one of the best ambulance trusts in the country at responding to Category A calls, the most serious, life threatening emergencies. GMAS was also the only urban ambulance trust in England and Wales to receive the top "three star" grading from the Healthcare Commission last year.

The next step of the strategy involves discussing with healthcare partners ways of providing a more appropriate Category C response. This could include using a combination of services provided by out-of-hours GP providers, NHS Direct, Primary Care Trusts and GMAS' own Patient Transfer Service.

The Patient Forum has given its full support to the process and will continue to be involved in its development.

This procedure is in line with arrangements currently operating in Lancashire, Merseyside and West Yorkshire.