Photo: CTV

Apologies are following in the wake of a mother and daughter's four-hour wait for an ambulance in Surrey.

Up to 10 ambulances were dispatched to the Monday incident, however, all but the last were diverted to more urgent calls.

Although the pair's injuries were not life-threatening, they required hospital assessment.

B.C. Emergency Health Services is apologizing for the delay.

"We're very apologetic to these two patients," EHS vice-president Linda Lupini told CTV.

The B.C. paramedics union says the incident is proof of a shortage of ambulances in Metro Vancouver.

"This is happening on a day-to-day basis and it's very concerning," said union president Bronwyn Barter.

"I don't think dollars should be put in front of people's lives… We can't wait any longer. The patients can't wait. People are going to die."

A government report states the region needs another 22 ambulances. Nine have been added this year.

– with files from CTV Vancouver