AN internal investigation is underway at South Central Ambulance Service after claims some patients with heart attack symptoms were denied ambulances.

The investigation was prompted after an reporter from The Telegraph worked seven weeks undercover at the South Central Ambulance call centre in Bicester.

The reporter said some patients calling the NHS 111 service were being denied ambulances even if they were experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.

The 111 service was set up as a non-emergency alternative to 999 to relieve the pressure on the health service, including accident and emergency departments.

According to The Telegraph report, the undercover reporter’s mentor was recorded on video saying: “As horrible as it sounds, one way or another everyone in this room has killed someone indirectly because of what we’ve done.”

The Telegraph said call handlers were told that when people rang up describing the symptoms of a heart attack during times of heavy demand, an ambulance crew should not be sent out without a clinician’s approval, unless it was a confirmed the person was actually having a heart attack or stroke.

South Central Ambulance Service spokeswoman Catherine Morrow said it took the issues raised “very seriously”.

She added: “In response to the comments raised, we will follow the principles of our ‘Whistleblowing Policy’ to investigate the alleged issues identified.

“We have appointed an investigating office to oversee this process.

“We have informed relevant stakeholders of the issues raised, including our regulators and commissioners, as a reflection of the importance we attach to the concerns raised.”

She added: “Where we receive reports of inappropriate conduct or behaviour we strictly enforce our internal policies and procedures.”

Jacquie Pearce-Gervis of Patient Voice, which represents patients across Oxfordshire, said: “I visited the call centre in Bicester about 18 months ago. We were assured that the call centre service was being made more efficient but this undercover investigation seems to suggest there are major failings at the centre.”