Public aid woman after ambulance fails to arrive

An elderly woman who collapsed in Newark town centre on Saturday lunchtime had to be carried to a car by members of the public after an ambulance failed to show up after an hour and a half.

The woman, believed to be in her seventies, collapsed in St Mark's Place at around 12.15pm. Staff from nearby Wilkinsons and an off duty nurse came to her aid.

Former Newark paramedic Mr David Moore, who saw the incident, said emergency services were rung three times. He said on the third call a member of the public was told that there were no ambulances avaiable in the area.

He said that members of the public comforted her and wrapped her in a duvet to keep her warm before carrying her to a nearby car which took her to Newark Hospital.

The chairman of the Say Yes to Newark Hospital Campaign Mr Francis Towndrow said staff at Wilkinsons had told him that after 90 minutes the woman said she was fed up asked to be taken home in a taxi.

He said that members of the public were concerned about her health and insisted on taking her to Newark Hospital.

Do you know who this woman is? Contact the newsroom on 01636 681234 or by email to news@newarkadvertiser.co.uk.