A WIRRAL mum battling an incurable and aggressive form of brain cancer was left waiting for an ambulance for more than two hours after suffering two severe seizures on Valentine’s Day.

Julie Shute was diagnosed in August 2013 and given a life expectancy of around 14 months. She was diagnosed with a second brain tumour on eyear later.

Husband Andy has lodged a formal complaint against North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust following the “outrageous” incident on Saturday, in which they were told an ambulance would take “at least 75 minutes” after already waiting more than an hour.

Now an inquiry has been launched and the service has apologised.

Andy told the Globe he was “astounded” by the experience: "I'm absolutely stunned that a patient such as Julie with terminal brain cancer having seizures has to wait over two hours for an ambulance and has to make her own way to hospital because there is still no guarantee one will arrive."

Saturday was the first time 53-year-old Julie had suffered such strong and length seizures in quick succession, prompting concerned husband Andy to call 999.

After making the call at 5pm, 58-year-old Andy was told an ambulance had been despatched, but some 30 minutes later, the couple were still waiting.

Andy, from Prenton, called 999 again and was told again that an ambulance was on its way but 10 minutes later, a paramedic turned up at their home instead.

He immediately radioed to find out the whereabouts of the ambulance, only to be told that none were currently available.

After Julie showed symptoms of a fresh seizure, a further call was made by the paramedic, who was told an ambulance would be “at least 75 minutes”.

At this point, the decision was made for Andy transport Julie to Arrowe Park Hospital in his own car, with the paramedic shadowing the couple in case of further seizures.

Andy told the Globe: “I am totally astounded – why was I informed an ambulance was on route when it was not? I was told for a second occasion that an ambulance was on route when in effect it was a paramedic in a car not suitable for transporting patients.

“To my mind there is a clear distinction between a paramedic and an ambulance.”

Andy has called on NWAS to provide a detailed report explaining his concerns, as well as a written apology to his wife for the “appalling delay” and for the added stress it has caused.

A spokesman for NWAS confirmed the complaint had been received and said an investigation will be launched.

The spokesman added: “We apologise to the family for any distress caused by waiting for an ambulance and appreciate that this must be a difficult time for them.

“The trust has experienced a high level of activity over the previous few months and saw a 2.4% increase in the number of 999 emergency calls between February 13 and 15 when compared to the same time period in 2014.”