HEALTH leaders have been busy making contingency plans to ensure the service for patients continues during the petrol crisis.

The measure agreed by the West Mercia Constabulary advice group means all non-emergency ambulance transport in Wyre Forest has been cancelled as part of a county-wide move.

Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service director of operations Stephen McGuinness said crews were sharing fuel given by the fire brigade.

He added: "Our service is only operating for emergency, renal and cancer treatments, as well as a few other specialised treatments.

"Our vehicles are fuelled by unleaded and diesel fuel, and should unleaded supplies run dry we have enough diesel back-up from other emergency services."

Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade spokesman Alec Mackie said the service had at least six weeks fuel supply remaining.

The estimate is based on the average use of 15,000 litres of diesel a month by the brigade's 42 front line fire engines.

Mr Mackie added: "We are glad to help our friends in the ambulance service at the moment and can reassure the public we will be able to respond to all calls as usual."

The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has also set out priority guidelines for patients to follow.

Trust spokeswoman Julie Phelan said the situation concerning non-urgent inpatient surgery was being reviewed at noon each day.

Developments could be checked on the freephone helpline, but day surgery is not cancelled and patients should turn up for appointments as instructed.

She added: "Outpatient clinics are also not cancelled at any of the hospitals and appointments should be kept as normal."