A TAXI boss has called for Kidderminster Hospital to offer emergency treatment overnight after finding an unconscious teen who overdosed on painkillers.

Neale White, who runs Bewdley Taxi, came across a car in a hedge when driving back to Bewdley on the switch-back in the early hours of Sunday (April 23).

He saw a young man who flashed a torch at him to get his attention before being told that his friend was unconscious in the car.

The 61-year-old then called an ambulance but was told the wait may have been up to three hours.

Mr White, who was driving an eight-seater taxi at the time, initially drove the 18-year-old to Kidderminster Hospital, believing someone would be at hand to help, however, the hospital was closed.

Unsure over the severity of the teen's condition, he drove to Worcestershire Royal Hospital where he was treated and made a recovery. 

Mr White has now called for medical staff to be on duty at Kidderminster Hospital overnight.

He told The Shuttle: “It was a terrible situation.

“We were lucky. That hospital being shut could have cost somebody their life.

"It needs a doctor of some description there 24 hours a day so if there is an emergency someone can be treated.

"Something like that was time sensitive.

"When it's life-threatening, you need to be able to speak to a doctor more or less straight away."

The teen's stepdad, who did not wish to be named, has spoken over his shock at the incident.

He said: "Thank god it wasn't too serious. We didn't know that at the time".

He added that he was "let down" that there was no help at hand at Kidderminster Hospital in the first instance.

Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: “While we can’t comment on specific cases, we would always recommend calling 999 if someone is unconscious.

“Minor Injury Units such as the one at Kidderminster can offer advice and treatment for a range of injuries when it’s not a life-threatening emergency, and patients are advised to check opening hours prior to travelling.”