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CORONAVIRUS

Humza Yousaf sends for taxis to join army tackling ambulance delays

Kieran Andrews, Scottish Political Editor | Helen Puttick, Scottish Health Correspondent
The Times
Humza Yousaf is under increasing pressure due to the present challenges being experienced by the NHS
Humza Yousaf is under increasing pressure due to the present challenges being experienced by the NHS
FRASER BREMNER/PA
Kieran Andrews, Scottish Political Editor | Helen Puttick, Scottish Health Correspondent
The Times

Patients calling for an ambulance will be taken to hospital in taxis as part of plans to ease pressure on the strained service in Scotland.

Humza Yousaf, the health secretary, has confirmed that private hire cars will join the British Red Cross, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the army in helping deal with the crisis.

The Ministry of Defence is deploying 225 personnel, including 114 drivers and support staff to carry out non-emergency driving work for the service and 111 relieving ambulance staff from mobile testing units.

“If you are in critical or life-threatening need, you will be taken to hospital in an ambulance if one is requested,” said Yousaf, who is under increasing pressure due to the present challenges being experienced by the