A DAD who was left writhing in pain after falling downstairs and dislocating his shoulder was told his injuries were not serious enough for an ambulance to attend.

Stephen Hepworth, aged 44, had to be taken to hospital by his wife Bronagh — even though she says she was initially told by a 999 call handler that an ambulance was on its way.

He fell downstairs at about 8am last Friday at his home in Whitecroft Drive, Lowercroft, Bury.

Mrs Hepworth said she was told by the 999 operator that she should also call 111, to receive advice and ongoing support until the ambulance arrived.

But when she rang 111 and explained the situation, she claimed the operator was unhelpful, and said it was a matter for the 999 service.

After ringing 999 again, a different operator said the situation was not an appropriate use of the service, and that an ambulance would not be sent.

The distraught couple were then forced to knock on the doors of neighbours, and eventually found a resident whom they had not known for long, to look after their two daughters, Niamh, aged five, and Orla, aged three.

Mrs Hepworth, managing director of Bury-based JS Marketing, then drove her husband to Fairfield Hospital.

Mr Hepworth said it was very upsetting for his children, and he did not want them to see him in pain.

He has now been told his shoulder requires surgery, and said he was “absolutely disgusted” with how the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) dealt with the situation, and has submitted a formal letter of complaint.

He said: “How do you get an ambulance to come out these days? What happens if you break a leg? It is beyond a joke.

“I had to leave my kids with a stranger, and then fight through the rush-hour traffic. I was in pain for about an hour before I got to hospital.”

Mr Hepworth, a social worker, said he dislocated his shoulder a few years ago while playing badminton, but was taken to hospital by ambulance on that occasion.

A spokesman for NWAS said: “We understand that waiting for an ambulance can be distressing for the patient and their family and we apologise that, on this occasion, the patient was not happy with the trust’s response.

“When received, all 999 calls are given a priority rating, based on the information given by the caller, to make sure patients receive the most appropriate response for their needs and those with immediately life-threatening conditions are responded to as a priority.

“We urge patients or their families to contact us to discuss any concerns regarding the service we provide.”