THE value of human life is being lost, according to a frustrated Halstead paramedic.

They also claimed there is rarely an ambulance within miles of the town.

Problems with the service have been highlighted by a family who said they had to call 999 three times before they were taken seriously, after a mum began haemorrhaging at home, two weeks after giving birth.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS trust insisted its turnaround plan is patient-focussed, but acknowledged improvements would take time.

SEE TODAY'S HALSTEAD GAZETTE FOR THE FULL STORY