South East Coast Ambulance Service appeals for support over bank holiday weekend
Only call 999 in the event of a serious or life-threatening emergency
We are being asked to support our area's ambulance service this bank holiday weekend when demand is expected to be higher.
South East Coast Ambulance says recent weeks have seen a rise in 999 calls to the Trust, with SECAmb handing close to 70,000 so far in May.
It says the settled weather expected over the next few days, alongside the easing of coronavirus restrictions, could lead to a further increase.
The service is reminding us to contact 999 only in the event of a serious or life-threatening emergency.
Alternatives for medical advice include NHS 111 both by phone and online at 111.nhs.uk.
You can also seek advice from healthcare professionals including pharmacists.
Executive Director of Operations, Emma Williams, said: "We've experienced some very busy days recently and we are expecting to see very high demand this weekend. While an increase in demand isn't unusual for a bank holiday, we expect it could be particularly busy alongside the continued easing of coronavirus restrictions and some more settled weather.
"The main way people can help us this weekend and going forward into the summer is to be sensible, follow all the latest coronavirus guidance, and only call 999 if they are facing a serious or life-threatening emergency. If people make use of the alternatives available to them, including using NHS 111 for medical advice when it's not serious, it can really help manage the demand our staff face."
For more information on NHS services near you visit: NHS services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)