ALLEGATIONS that call centre staff denied patients ambulances even when they were experiencing heart attack symptoms should be fully investigated, according to MP Nicola Blackwood.

The MP for Oxford West and Abingdon has spoken out after an undercover investigation by The Daily Telegraph at South Central Ambulance Service’s Bicester call centre.

The investigation showed patients calling the 111 service, set up to take pressure off 999 calls, were not being sent ambulances during times of heavy demand, without a clinician’s approval, unless it was confirmed the person was having a heart attack or stroke.

Ms Blackwood said: “These allegations must be fully and independently investigated, and I shall be writing to the Care Quality Commission to ask them to revisit their recent inspection report, and to Sarah Wollaston, the chairman of the Health Select Committee, to ask that this is looked into as a matter of urgency.”

SCAS spokeswoman Michelle Archer said the service did not want to respond to Ms Blackwood’s comments.

The trust said earlier that it took the investigation’s claims “very seriously” and has appointed an investigating officer.

Jacquie Pearce-Gervis, of Patient Voice, which represents patients across Oxfordshire, visited the call centre about 18 months ago.

She said she was concerned by the investigation, which suggested “major failings” at the call centre.