SOUTH Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) says it saw demand for its services increase over Christmas and the New Year and expects it to remain high over the coming months.

Between December 23 and January 1 staff dealt with 28,984 incidents — an increase of 7.48 per cent compared to the previous year.

On Boxing Day it dealt with 3,111 incidents which was 13 per cent up on last year.

And on New Year’s Day staff dealt with 3,386 incidents which was an increase of 4.5 per cent. New Year’s Eve also saw incident numbers increase by 4 per cent on last year.

Additional staff were put in place in control rooms and out on the road, as demand is traditionally noticeably higher over the festive period.

A SWASFT spokesman said: “Our staff and volunteers work extremely hard to prepare for the pressures of winter, and to deliver our services to patients throughout this busy season.

“We are continuing our efforts to manage demand and ensure patients continue to receive the right care."

Additional staff were put in place in control rooms and out on the road.

The ambulance service says it is expecting this demand to remain high over the coming months and has urged patients to "use NHS services wisely".

The ambulance spokesperson added: “We expect the demand to remain high during the next few months, and so we would continue to urge patients to use NHS services wisely. Patients can help to reduce pressure by using the most appropriate NHS service for their needs, and by calling 999 only if someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.”

SWASFT is reminding people to choose the most appropriate service for their conditions, and only to call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

Help with less serious conditions is available from GP surgeries, pharmacies, by dialling NHS 111 or visiting NHS111 online, or by visiting local walk-in centres.