Private ambulance firms cashing in on strikes and NHS under pressure

Exclusive: Companies tapping into growing demand, often charging hundreds of pounds - or more for longer journeys

Private ambulance companies have been cashing in on strikes and long response times to 999 calls by charging hundreds of pounds to ferry stricken people to hospital.

In another sign of the growing pressures on the NHS and the private sector's encroachment on the health service, the Guardian can reveal that several of these services have expanded in recent months to tap into the growing demand.